I've trained for approximately 15 years, and fitness has definitely become my lifestyle in every way; I just don't feel good unless I'm maintaining it. Many times though, I've lost my motivation along the way, and in this article, I hope to shed some insight on ways to stay motivated, and most of all let you know you are not alone.

To keep on going when I really don't feel like it, I set new goals for myself to achieve. It helps me to set goals in 3 month blocks or so. I cycle my training routine to achieve my goals, and the variety definitely makes my body respond better and keep things interesting. For a period of time, I may lift heavier weights with fewer repetitions, perhaps around 8 reps per set. For the next few weeks I'll then switch to moderate or lighter weights with higher reps around 10-15 per set. My cardio may also vary anywhere from 4-7 sessions per week and the variety in machines and the levels of intensity makes for less boredom during an otherwise monotonous task. It's important through all of this to keep your eye on the prize... keep that ultimate goal in the back of your mind so you remember where you're going.

When I'm tired from all the training and routine, I simply take a well-deserved break from it all; I've long since learned that when I push myself hard for too long, it's easy to fall into depression, have anxiety, and feel listless and tired all the time. These are common signs of over-training that most of us probably experience. Getting stuck in our routine and not listening to what our body is telling us is a common occurrence. Don't hesitate to take what you're body is screaming for, some time off. A week or two off here and there is very good for the body.

Another element that most of us experience a lack of motivation to continue is the diet. Once our ultimate goal has been set, we've got to get our heads into that zone where we love to be on our strict diet. This often spells monotony until such time as we're really focused on that goal. The 5 or 6 meals a day should be made up of foods that we know we'll enjoy. Dieting isn't all bad, just pick the foods you'll likely want to eat. Tuna and rice just doesn't do anything for me, so variety and imagination is important. My diet remains clean all week with the protein and carbohydrates that I find most appealing, then on Saturday or Sunday I'll have a cheat day to carb me up a little and break the monotony. One of my clean meals would look something like this: extra-lean beef with salt & chili powder mixed with rice and a tablespoon of salsa and a bit of lettuce... tastes to me like a taco salad. Everything is measured out, is on my diet, and is definitely not boring.

Cheat days for me are Krispy Kreme doughnuts and pizza.

How's that for motivation?

So, don't think you are alone when you can't remember why you started all of this, just find ways to make the most of a lifestyle that you know you simply cannot live without.