When you're first starting out with your exercise plan, it is all too easy to get discouraged. Working out is not always easy and if you don't take the right approach, quitting can be all too simple. However there are some techniques that you can use to make sure that you actually start to enjoy your workouts.

1. Wear Clothes That Fit

   First, you'll need to pick a gym that appeals to you and where you feel as though you fit in. Most cities have more than one gym so you can try out of a few on guest memberships to see which ones you feel comfortable with. If you can't find one where you fit completely in, try to schedule your workout for times when you won't have to worry about interacting much until you can build up your confidence.

2. Find an Affordable Gym

   Second, you'll need to pick a gym that doesn't cost too much. Some memberships can be pretty expensive and it is too easy to justify quitting when it's taking up a large chunk of your income. Try to find a gym that offers discount rates or see if there are guest packages that you can take advantage of.

3. Do What You Like

   Third, you'll want to find a gym that offers the types of exercises that you're interested in. Whether it's a spinning class, yoga or simple aerobics, having the classes you like at the gym will help you stay motivated. In addition, you'll also want to pick the classes with teachers that you like. This helps make it easier to go through the routine.

4. Reward Yourself

   Fourth, it is important to set up a rewards system with yourself. For example, if you go to the gym for five days straight, you can treat yourself to a special manicure, a video game or a movie. Just make sure that the rewards are not food related. By setting it up so that you have a tangible reward, you can train yourself to look forward to exercising.

5. Make Sure the Gym is Nearby

   Fifth, the distance to the gym is very important. Again, you want to avoid making it easy to justify not going. Whether it's close to your house or on the way to work, make sure that it is convenient enough so that you can't make excuses.

6. Mix It Up

   Sixth, variety is the spice of life. It is too easy to get bored when you do the same exercises over and over and it won't help if you have hit a plateau. Look for a gym that offers several different options so that you can change up your workouts. This can really make a big difference in how you look forward to exercising.

7. Set Reasonable Goals

   Lastly, you'll need to set reasonable goals for yourself and stick with them. Try rewarding yourself like we mentioned above when you reach them. Start small so that you don't get discouraged. Whether it's losing five pounds, or being able to spend ten straight minutes at top speed on the treadmill, set little goals to give yourself a reason to keep trying.

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One of the hardest parts of dealing with a diet is the feeling that you are depriving yourself. Everyone needs a boost and for many people, food is the natural reward. Whether this started in childhood or became an acquired habit later in life, you'll need to find new ways to reward yourself and a new system to follow that will help you stay on your diet and still feel satisfied.

First, make a list of all your "cheat" foods, or the things you normally turn to when you're feeling down or when you want to celebrate. Post this list in an easy to spot location so you can keep it on your mind. Keeping it right there will help you retrain your brain so that you'll be aware of your danger zones and steer clear of them.

Next, you'll need to set up a rewards system based on your diet and exercise plan. Our goal here is to replace the usual food rewards with something that is a lot less damaging to your figure. Take that list once again and write down a column that contains all of the things you enjoy doing. Whether it's a bubble bath, a trip to a museum or a shopping spree, you'll need to list everything.

Start by setting your first goal. It's a good idea to make sure that it is achievable in a small amount of time so that you stay motivated. Whether it's losing that first few pounds or lowering your blood pressure by a few points, keep the goal easy to reach. Now, pick one of the things that you enjoy doing and set it up as a reward.

It's a good idea to make sure that it's not an event that you generally do. This will help you keep the rewards special and make it more fun to reach them. Once you have your first few goals and their corresponding rewards outlined, you're ready to start making progress.

Whenever you feel as though you're ready to give into a food craving, look at that list again and see what you'll get to do if you can hold on and keep on your diet. This can really help you retrain your brain and get rid of problem behavior that leads to the failures of so many diets.

By sticking with your diet and making sure that you reward yourself for your successes, you'll be able to stay motivated for your diet. In addition, since you are replacing food rewards with other activities, you're building a strong foundation for a new and healthier life. This means that long after your diet is done you'll be able to keep that weight off.

Losing weight is difficult, but it is doesn't have to be impossible. We all need rewards and sometimes it just feels better to pat yourself on the back. When you're not using food, you're setting up a whole new future for yourself and guaranteeing your success.

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I have been tagged by Fat Man Unleashed to write a 6 word memoir. His was Be About It!

My 5 word memoir is Healthy, Happy, Wealthy, and Wise.

At the end of the day, this is how I will remember my life.

• Healthy -- this one is pretty self explanatory, but it does require work to get there from here. I am currently perfectly healthy, however I know that without choosing to lose weight and exercise regularly NOW that will not always be the case. It will be the case and I am committed to losing the weight and maintaining the healthy lifestyle. I have had a wonderful first 30 some odd years and I intend to have another healthy 100 or so in front of me.
• Happy -- I have met the woman of my dreams, I have a wonderful child, I played basketball in college, I am good at and enjoy my job, enjoying every minute, doing what I enjoy, experiencing the best things in life, fulfilled.
• Wealthy -- In spirit and eventually monetarily. Content. Wanting for nothing.
• Wise -- At least in my own mind.

And now it is my turn to tag a few people to write their own 6 word memior

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