[caption id="attachment_888" align="alignnone" width="600"]Trainers Photo Credit: www.katiejanecollins.co.uk[/caption] Exercise is one of those things that you either love or hate, similar to the Marmite theory. At school you had half of the physical education class who would spend each lesson bouncing off the walls competing against one another, and then you had the other half who sat glumly on the benches avoiding participation wherever possible - and let's face it, that was most of us! However those who vowed never to take part in physical exercise again as soon as it was no longer part of their school curriculum don’t realise that actually, exercise can be anything from a way to wind down after work, to a form of socialising, to something that’s actually considered ‘fun’. We know what you’re thinking. Taking a step back in time and reminding yourself of those tragic P.E. lessons isn’t something you planned on doing, but as soon as you’re free from the screeching teacher and opposing class mates, you’re suddenly able to take your fitness goals and run with them – no pun intended. So, how can we go about making exercise enjoyable?  #1 – Be your own boss and set your own goals  At school it was all about being top of the class and doing as you were told – now, it’s a whole new ball game. With no one shouting instructions at you – unless you’ve signed up to an Insanity class that is – you can achieve anything you want in whichever timescale you please. An important thing to remember when setting your goals is that an unrealistic vision isn’t necessarily going to provide you with the results you’re hoping for. Instead, set yourself two or three goal dates which will provide you with the time you need to reach your objectives in a healthy yet challenging manner. After all, fitness is a process – not something you can achieve overnight.  #2 – Mix up your workouts Spending four or five days a week staring at the same gym wall, whilst running on that same treadmill, will quickly become incredibly mundane. Your best option is to figure out a strict fitness schedule that consists of various forms of exercise that you love. This could include a mix of cardio and resistance training, using functional equipment such as kettlebells, dumbbells and resistance bands. Time flies when you’re doing something you enjoy, so let’s not make working out tougher than it already is – throw in some fun activities that involve your friends or family for good measure and the journey to achieving your dream body will quickly become a hobby instead of a chore. #3 – Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen You may have heard the phrase “abs are made in the kitchen”. Believe it or not, this doesn’t mean eggs, fish and vegetables for every meal – unless that’s your style of course. There are countless books, apps, magazines, blogs and websites that are designed with the intention of making healthy cooking something to be enjoyed by everyone. Whether it’s evident that you have a creative streak or not, we’ve all got one, and where better to put it to the test than in the kitchen. Learning about nutrition will hugely improve your success with fitness, whatever your goals may be, and the sooner you put this into action the better. Before you know it, you’ll be the smug one gliding around the supermarket with a trolley full of butternut squash and kale, and the odd treat of course, because hey – you earned it. Whether you’re a newbie to fitness, or someone who is a total health guru, everyone can do with shaking up their lifestyle choices for the better – and with winter fast approaching, there has never been a more optimal time to make a start on your 2016 summer body.