What's Your Motivation

The list of excuses we tell ourselves to get out of exercising is endless: I don't have time. I hate gyms. I'm just not athletic.

But one of the biggest saboteurs of avoiding aerobic activity, lifting weights or participating in a regular fitness regimen is - not so surprisingly - a lack of motivation.

So, how do you leap over exercise inertia and burn with workout desire? Try having a chat with yourself about the rewards. And repeat often. By voicing the realistic benefits of fitness, you move toward results, says Gregory Chertok, a sports psychology counselor and a spokesman for the American College of Sports Medicine.

"The mind guides action," he says. "Positive self-talk is an effective tool in keeping a commitment to exercise."

If you can't find the right words, try one of these motivational self-mantras:

"I want to play with my grandkids." Rather than yourself, make the target of exercise your family. Tell yourself being fit is a guarantee for longevity - a healthy contract that enables you to live long enough to enjoy your grandchildren.

"Those skinny jeans will fit." Dangle those tight and overpriced jeans you pushed to the back of the closet as an exercise carrot to get in shape. Literally keep the jeans on display during workouts to remind yourself you fit into them once and you will again.

"I can't afford to be sick." Being unhealthy can take a heavy financial and emotional toll on an individual, from missing work to paying for prescriptions. Every time you want to step off that treadmill, remember it's money in the savings account if you keep moving.

"What do I have to lose?" Answer: Nothing - except inches and stress. Even in small increments, exercise is an easy and accessible way to gain control of your health, whether you need to lose weight, reduce your blood pressure or improve your mood.

- By Sally Clasen