Exercise.

I know it's something most of us dread. It’s hard to stay on a track and keep going, but there are ways to help keep yourself motivated. Whether your New Year’s resolution is hanging on by a thread or you just want to feel better, trying to exercise on a regular basis is difficult. So here are a few tips to make it easier.

Accountability

If you are having a hard time working out on a regular basis, find someone to work out with. Having a work out buddy can help motivate you and make working out more fun. One of the most important things especially, if you want to be healthy, is a good diet. You need energy to be able to do the work. Also, by eating junk food, it counteracts everything good you did for your body. By going through your journey with a friend, you can gain their support to make healthy meal decisions. Having someone with you also means that if you don’t go or don't work out as much as you want, you have to explain it to someone. Even if that person is your best friend, most people still don’t want to admit that they were just too lazy to work out. If you like to work out by yourself, drive to a gym or work out in the same place as a friend—that way you can’t flake and you can still share your progress with someone.

Time

One of the biggest reasons people don’t stick to a work out plan is because they feel like they don’t have enough time. Ways to get around this is to work out at home. This will save time and gas money. You don’t have to do everything at once either. You can go for a jog in the morning and do the exercises after work, school, or you daily errands-- even though it’s recommended, you don’t have to have 60 minutes of activity, especially if you are not use to exercising on a regular basis. Start slower with 20-30 minutes and add more time when you’re ready and when you can.

Apps

Something I have found the most helpful is using apps. With exercise apps you can set reminders and get support and work out ideas. There are a ton of free apps. You can use different apps to get the best experience. A friend of mine told me about an app called Pump-Up. On the app, you can post when you work out and what you eat, as well as see what other people are doing. The app is much like Instagram but specifically for exercise and being healthy. The app also lets you track your weight, and it has pre-made workouts based on what you want to do. Another app I recently started using is called 30 Day Fitness Challenge Workout. It has different workouts that get harder each day. You can choose a workout for full body, abs, butt, or arms. Each different section has varying intensities from easy to hard, each difficulty has two plans. Apps can help give you ideas and ways to work out from home.

Working out is not the most fun thing in the world, at first. But with the right motivation and doing things you love, it isn’t that hard. Working out is a great stress relief and helps you to be healthier and happier.