Having just run a marathon in November, I know I have fitness motivation in me somewhere. But this past month or so I've found that eating pizza and watching 24 is so much more fun than running in the cold. So why not join a gym you ask? Yeah, I belong to one. It's getting there that doesn't seem to happen. It's hard to go to the gym after work when it's dark out, it's so cold, and my sofa is calling. What is it about winter that makes me want to hibernate and eat (large quantities) of high fat food? As I'm starting to outgrow my jeans I decided it's time to find some winter workout motivation. So here's what I'm thinking:

Be realistic. I'm not going to run in sub-30 degree weather, and the gym bores me to tears so I can't expect to work out as much as I would when it's sunny and warm outside. But 3 days a week seems a good goal.

Get a partner. The past couple of weekends I've made workout dates with a friend. This forces me to get up early and follow through at least one day a week -- and we usually go out for coffee after and catch up.

Try something new: I'm a dedicated runner but I'm making this winter about trying all those scary-sounding classes at the gym like Brazilian Butt. I don't know what that is, but I want one!

Get cute workout clothes: As a fitness/diet/health editor I must have written this tip a million times over the years. "Invest in cute workout wear you'll want to show off...blah blah." But let me tell you, when a friend recently gave me a pair of adorable bell bottom turquoise yoga pants, the next day I dragged my tired booty to a 9:30 am yoga class on a Saturday. Now that's inspiration.

Get creative: A former co-worker used to do this trick and I'm not sure I'm that dedicated enough to try it but I thought I'd share. She would go to the gym before work, put her workout clothes AND HOUSE KEYS in a locker, then go to work. This way she was forced to go the gym after work if she wanted to be able to get in her house.

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• #15 Comment from mikerhazel7 
  3/18/08 11:34 AM | Permalink

  If you go to the local dog pound and save one of man's best friend from death then that animal will motivate you and accompany on every walk....every day.Look at the eyes and pick one that looks back...good luck!
• #14 Comment from bonggworld 
  7/18/07 8:40 PM | Permalink

  GET LAID!!!    IT'S GREAT EXCERCISE
• #13 Comment from neopnx 
  2/23/07 1:37 AM | Permalink

  wow   i   have  to  agree  i   really  like  the  last  one  LMAO  ugh  but  i  no  what  u  mean  im  basically  stalling  now  ..   my  motivations  low   although  i  just  finished  some  weight  training  ..im   trying  to  avoid  midnight  snacking ..  maybe   run   another   mile   before  midnight  *sigh    
• #12 Comment from kfiveash 
  2/14/07 11:02 AM | Permalink

  Oh I Love the last one..putting house key & workout clothes in Gym locker BEFORE work.. awsome idea I LOVE IT !!
• #11 Comment from booch6 
  2/9/07 5:27 PM | Permalink

   These tips are great ! I'm going to try a couple to get back on track. Thanks !  - Barb