When the new year hits, it’s common for many of us to become wicked motivated to workout and promise ourselves that we will go to the gym every day. The new semester begins and there are no big tests or papers due yet, so we feel we have extra time that we can fill at the gym.

During the first two weeks of the semester, the gym is always packed. However, as the weeks follow, our lives become crazier and we begin to lose motivation for working out. For many of us, working out is something that we feel like we must do, instead of something that we want to do.

Here are some workout tips to help keep us motivated and make working out more desirable.

1. Workout playlist

It is an obvious tip, but I think it’s a great idea to make a specific playlist just for your workouts with some of your favorite music. Build some of your motivation through your favorite songs and have the time fly by while you’re singing along in your head.

2. Gym buddies

One of my favorite things when I workout is to have a gym buddy. It makes it a social time and a fun distraction from the workout. It’s a great way to catch up with friends when you both have busy schedules. A gym buddy also makes you more accountable to your workout.

3. Switch it up

Some of our lack of motivation for working out is that we get bored. We spend 45 minutes on the elliptical and then do our core circuit and maybe some arms. Switch it up! Try a new class at the gym or in town. Even just switching the machines or exercises that you do can help as well.

4. Netflix and Workout

We all know that Netflix can take our attention for hours at a time when we don’t really have that time to spare. So, make your workout time your time to watch your new favorite show on Netflix. Start a new series that you can only watch while you’re at the gym; you’ll be surprised by how fast the time goes by when you get in your Netflix zone.

5. Get outside

Enjoy the days when it’s sunny and warm outside. Take a run down to the beach or into town, play some pick-up soccer, tennis or go for a hike. There are so many fun ways to stay active outside that get you out of your regular routine at the gym.