by Amy Welch

Swimsuits and barring more skin, in general, gives most of us the motivation to exercise during the summer. But as the colder months creep in, how do we continue to stay motivated?

Between taking kids to football practice or dropping them off at soccer, we can easily get caught up in our children’s crazy fall schedules and forget to put ourselves on the “to-do” list. To combat this, set a goal for yourself. It can be running your first 5K or striving for a better finish time; or maybe you’ve not lost those few pounds still lingering from your last pregnancy. Continue the fight! Goal setting will keep you focused and is essential to staying fit.

4 Tips on Setting and Maintaining Goals

1. Be realistic. Don’t set yourself up for failure. If you’re setting a goal that is unattainable, you’ll only be disappointed and may relapse into unhealthy eating habits or lack of exercise.

2. Stay on target. Whether it’s a written journal or on your iphone, jot your exercises down. Make entries of your runs and workouts. You can then look back at your week and see how you did. If you’re not approaching your goal, you’ll have proof of why you’re not getting the results you’re wanting.

3. Ask a friend to hold you accountable. Most of us need a little push! Grab a partner and encourage each other along the way. Having similar goals will help to keep you on track.

4. Strive farther. When you reach your goal, immediately set another. Continue this mind set and you’ll stay motivated throughout the winter months ahead.

So whether it’s swimsuits or skinny jeans that keep you lacing up those tennis shoes, double-knot ‘em and hit the pavement this fall!

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