Female working out Do you enjoy working out as it’s a bit of escapism? A time when you can focus on your body, and give your brain a break? Although a true enough statement for many of us, the mind most certainly still plays a role. During these sessions, the brain is motivating us to keep on going and inspiring us towards our personal fitness goals. When it comes to exercise and training, we might know we need to get fitter, but that isn’t going to motivate us to put down the TV remote. We’ve really got to want to do it. So how do you achieve that "want to work out" mind-set? Reward yourself The power of rewards should never be underestimated. Think about yourself as a kid – if your parents wanted you to do some chore you found dull, such as tidying your room, you'd soon get it done if you were offered a potential reward, such as some extra pocket money, or a slightly later bedtime. When it comes to keeping fit, it’s simply not enough to tell yourself you’ll feel better afterwards (though that’s not to say that doesn’t work for some people!) A reward, such as a a binge of your favourite TV series after your workout, or the chance to listen to your favourite music only whilst on the treadmill, could be just the thing. By offering yourself rewards in return for training sessions helps you to see working out as a habit. Think positively Visualising positive outcomes in return for your hard work is a great way to achieve success. Even if there’s an obstacle which prevents you exercising regularly, focus on finding a positive way around it. Long work hours? Perhaps you can work out at home by purchasing some home fitness equipment, or try to fit some training into your working day if that’s at all possible. Get commitments Paying a gym membership which takes your money out of your account whether you go or not, or investing in a cross trainer for your home for example, can be just the commitment needed to spur you on. Similarly, agreeing to exercise with a friend adds a level of responsibility to that commitment. You don’t want to let your friend down! The power of the selfie Take a selfie of yourself before you start a new fitness regime and keep it where only you can see it. If it helps, keep a photo of what you aspire to, such as a celebrity fitness guru, next to it as well. Take another selfie a few fitness sessions on to compare with your first one and keep it up. If you’re exercising regularly, you should quickly see the difference in those selfies. Money, money, money Go old school and ask a loved one to pay into a money box when you achieve a target. We’re not talking mega bucks here, but say a fiver rewarded for completing every fitness session on your schedule that week, for example. See the money mount up and treat yourself at the end of the month! Remember that finding options that you’ll really enjoy is key. Getting fit isn’t limited to joining a gym or taking up running. Find what you like doing, whether that be working out in the comfort of your own home or joining a local Boxercise class. It’s integral to achieving the ‘want to’ factor too!