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Did you make any resolutions for the new year? If you answered “yes,” did any of them have to do with going to the gym? I’m just gonna go out on a limb and assume that most of you answered “yes” to that, too. I’ll also assume that you might or might not be excited to get started on that now, but that either way, in about a month or so you’ll be way less excited. It’s not that I don’t have confidence in you; it’s just the way we are. But you made the decision to get to the gym because you know it’s good for you, and that’s why you should go. Here are some tips to make it a little easier for you to get there:

1. Know why you want to do it:

Do you want to lose a few pounds? Get leaner? Get a six-pack? Your reasons are your reasons, but if you’re clear on why you want to work out, you’ll be more motivated to do it.

2. Start slow:

You might be all gung-ho to get started and commit to going 6 days a week, but you might want to rethink that. It’s easier to give up when you commit to too much because you can feel overwhelmed. Start with twice a week and build from there.

3. Set weekly goals:

It’s easier to work in the short term, so set a goal each week that you’ll be able to meet.

4. Reward yourself:

Everyone needs incentive. Promise yourself a treat at the end of the week if you stick to your goals. And remember that a treat doesn’t have to mean something expensive or high in calories!

5. Find a fun class:

You’ll want to go if you have a fun class to look forward to.

6. Go with a friend:

It’s more fun to do things with a friend. Another reason for this is to give you accountability- you can’t bail if you know your friend is counting on you.

7. Or go by yourself:

You might not get enough time to yourself during your busy day, so look at your gym time as time to be by yourself.

8. Work with a trainer:

Working with a trainer is a good way to get started and learn what you need to do, and you’ll take things more seriously if you’re paying. But don’t think a trainer is out of reach if you’re on a budget; see if you can find someone who’ll work with more than one person and split the cost with a friend.

9. Put it in your schedule:

You’ll have a greater chance of actually going to the gym if you schedule it like an appointment, and you’ll never have the excuse of not finding the time.

10. Don’t go too far:

Don’t join a gym that’s a half hour away from home or work, or you’ll never go. Make it convenient to get there.

11. Find a place you like:

You can’t hate going to the gym, so find a place that’s decorated the way you like, set up the way you like, has amenities you like and will use, and has a vibe that makes you comfortable.

How to you motivate yourself to go to the gym? Share with us on Facebook and Twitter!