Motivation. Such a big word. In the world of fitness, motivation means everything. It makes or breaks all your weight loss efforts. Without the motivation to exercise, you can't expect to get off the couch and actually get started on your workout. Finding the right motivation is essential if you want to stay fit and healthy. It is even more crucial if you are already warned by your doctor to shape up risk getting shipped up or down depending on how good you've been. Achieving better health is the best motivation to exercise but aside from this, you need to make little efforts to continually encourage yourself to keep on working out.

1. Go shopping for a new workout outfit. Nothing could hinder you from working out more than opening your closet and seeing that you've got nothing but worn-out baggy exercise clothing from ages past. Don't let this get in the way of your training. Go to the mall and in your favorite sporting goods store and skim through the racks of jogging pants, spandex aerobics outfits, shorts or streamlined swimsuits. If you need new shoes for your running regimen, buy a pair as well. A new training outfit signals the beginning of a brand new start for you which can encourage you to keep on working out.

2. Set specific, achievable goals. What do you want to achieve out of your fitness regimen? We underscore achievable since a goal that is impossible to achieve is a sure motivation killer. However, goals that you can easily achieve further impel you to keep on working out. For instance, if you want to lose weight, don't strive for ten pounds in a week's time. Ideally, the most that you can lose weight in a week's time without depriving yourself is two pounds. Going for more than that is not only impossible, it's dangerous for your health.

3. Structure your training. Write down what you plan to do for the day on a schedule or exercise plan. Having a plan gives you a sense of direction and allows you to do your workout with a minimum of fuss. You don't have to think a lot about what you are going to do on a particular day since you can simply refer to your plan. A weekly plan is more achievable compared to a monthly plan.

4. Record your fitness. In a logbook, write down the exercises you did, how many reps, sets or steps you took and for how long. You can even record your observations and feelings of the exercise. Some regularly refer to their personal "workout diaries" to egg themselves to workout on days when they feel lazy.

5. Vary your workouts. Don't get stuck in one boring regimen. Swim, dance, run, walk, jog, hike or cycle your way to health. Play games on some days to break the routine. The competitive spirit works to wake the dormant warrior in you so are enthused to do your workouts. Doing this keeps you excited and fun is a great motivation to exercise.