1. Set a goal
Before you start working out, set your fitness goal. Are you exercising to lose weight for a special occasion? Do you dream of doing 15 chin ups in a row?

Set a realistic goal that is meaningful to you and you'll find it much easier to focus on your fitness and maintain your interest in working out over the long-term.

"Without goals there isn't any glory," says Sonja Heynsbroek, certified personal trainer and supervisor of fitness leaders at Success Fitness in Colwood, BC. Determine your goal then hit the gym!

2. Make exercise a habit
Whether you like it or not, if you want to see results you need to make exercise a part of your life. It may help to carve out a specific time to exercise: maybe in the morning to get your day going, or in the evening before supper to help you unwind from a stressful day.

If it's a part of your daily routine, you'll come to expect it. And at some point soon, you'll feel like you can't live without it.

3. Keep a journal
"It is essential to keep track of your fitness progress," says Heynsbroek. "When you start a fitness program with specific goal, you will want to know how your progress is going."

Keeping track of your workouts, reps, sets and weights will help you notice and take pride in your progress. Download our handy workout tracker spreadsheet to help you record your workouts - you'll enjoy reviewing your results!

4. Switch it up
If you switch up your fitness routine frequently, you won't get bored of exercising. "In order to have a great workout you will need to experience different options for exercise," says Heynsbroek.

The great thing about this is that you don't have to stick to the gym. Test out yoga or Pilates or try your local pool for a change.

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