The Shaklee Corporation 40,000 LB. Challenge (to lose fat, but keep the muscle) with the Shaklee 180 program is well underway, are you still “in for 10” yourself? Here’s some tips for you to keep on the healthy straight and narrow exercise track…

“Let’s admit it: Fitness can be hard. Whether you’re working on a New Year’s resolution or have been living a fit lifestyle for some time, there are just some days where you just don’t. want. to. do. it. Forget Nike’s motto: when you’re in one of those moods, Just Do It becomes, ‘Eh, maybe do it later.’

When you’re just not feeling it — which, to be honest, can be more than we want sometimes – anything can sound like a better idea.

“Well, I haven’t caught up on ‘Scandal.’”

“My friend wants to hang out.”

“My dogs will miss me.”

Watching TV, playing with dogs and hanging out with friends are all pretty awesome things. That’s why they’re so tempting. But if you want to feel better, reach a fitness goal, beat a PR or run an intimidating race, you kind of have to listen to Nike on this one and just do it. But for when you’re not in the mood, here are some tips to make things easier.

Pack Your Gym Bag the Night Before

If you’re waking up early and rushing to make it to work or an appointment on time, it is much easier to grab a bag than to grab an outfit, shoes, socks and more to shove into a bag. Pack your essentials in your bag before you go to sleep. That way, you’ll be able to grab the bag and go, instead of forgoing the gym because you didn’t have time to pack your gear.

Download That New Album

If you’re working out by yourself, that’s the perfect time to listen to some of your favorite music. If there’s an album you’ve been desperate to listen to, save it for your workout. Make a deal with yourself that you won’t listen to your new music until you start your workout. That way you’ll look forward to your workout because you’ll have new music to listen to.

Lay Your Clothes Out Before Bed

If you’re a morning exerciser, have your clothes ready the night before. You won’t have to stumble around in the weak morning light to gather all your items together.

Find a Workout Buddy

Workout buddies are great because there’s an accountability between you. If you skip out on them, you’re kind of a jerk, so having a buddy to meet you at a gym, park or fitness class gives you extra motivation to go, which is better than the guilt you’ll have if you skip.

Chart Your Success

When it comes to fitness, even the littlest improvements seem like a huge success. Well, that’s because they are. The little things add up to the big things, which will inspire you to reach further.

Reward Yourself with Some Exercise Gear

Set exercise goals for yourself and reward yourself when you reach them. This could be a new water bottle or a fashionable gym shirt. By doing this, you’re not only reaching goals, but you’re rewarding yourself in a way that will motivate you even more.”

From “6 Tips to Get You Motivated to Exercise” By Lindsay Patton