Work, school, the weather and any number of other distractions can keep you from exercising. Making a plan to exercise and following through makes it harder for you to put off a workout. On the days you really don't feel like pulling on your sneakers, using several motivational tactics at once can make it easier for you to get excited about breaking a sweat.
Work Toward a Goal
Choose something you really want to do, then make it off-limits until you've reached a certain exercise goal. If there's a new video game you want to buy or you've been dying for a massage at the spa, set a goal of the number of hours you must exercise or pounds you must lose before you'll get it for yourself. Clothing can also be a goal if you're trying to trim your body. Buy an outfit you've been coveting in your goal size. Hang it from a hook in the room where you spend most of your time so you'll remember what you're working toward.
Make Exercise Fun
Making exercise into something fun is the easiest way to get motivated, since you'll actually look forward to it instead of dreading it. Skip the gym and go outside to play fetch with your dog or rent a kayak to use in the closest body of water. If you're competitive, making exercise into a game or contest may also help. Bet yourself how fast you can run a mile or challenge a friend to race you in swimming laps at the pool.
Team Up
Pairing up with one of your favorite people will make exercise instantly more fun, since you'll have someone to talk to the whole time. Ask your spouse, child or best friend to be your workout buddy. Take turns planning the workouts so you'll get to do a variety of things. Having someone who knows about your exercise goals will also make it harder for you to bow out when you don't feel like going.
Sign Up for an Event
Signing up for an organized sporting event gives you something to prepare for --- and if you choose an event that benefits charity, you'll feel a sense of duty to stick to your plan. Sign up for a charitable walk or run that's several months away. While you ask your family and friends for donations, you'll be constantly reminded that you need to be getting in shape for the race. If you really want to challenge yourself, sign up for a marathon or triathlon. If there's one coming up in your area, contact a local running club to find others preparing for the same event. Schedule group workout sessions so you can cheer each other on and meet new people.
