So I am looking to get back into shape, and where I live I have vast amounts of places to work out, including my own condo. for a while I used this fitness game on the xbox and it helped. Well for about a year or so now, I've stopped working out and Ive noticed the bit of pudge I have gained. I honestly want to get rid of it. I really do but lately I keep finding myself making up excuses to not work out. Like I will start but then just stop. I guess you could say I'm lacking the motivation?

Another reason: is that I bought my very first cosplay about a year ago and I wasnt able to attend the convention. Now we are trying our best (my boyfriend and I) to save up. ... I kind of need my waist back so I can fit my Cosplay again OTL

So my question is, to anyone who works out: What keeps you motivated?

I'm terrible at staying motivated too. But one thing that helps me is if I watch reality TV competitions where people are pushing themselves really hard to win. I figure if they can do something that strenuous, it's not so hard for me to just get on a treadmill for 20 minutes a day.

What keeps me motivated? Remembering all the times people told me I couldn't do it because I'm a girl. Looking at people's faces when you tell them you ran 13.1 miles for fun. Breaking the stereotype that you can have muscles and be toned and fit without being "bulky." Actually, breaking every stereotype out there. Being able to keep up with and sometimes even surpass my boyfriend (who is a former marine). Doing push ups and pull ups and sweating absolutely invigorates me. Exercise is a stress reliever, a confidence-booster, an ass kicker, a time to think, a healthy life choice, and, above all, fun. Those are the things that keep me motivated :)

A problem that some people might have is that they get bored doing the same thing. God knows my attention span flies out the window when I go to the gym one too many times a week. It's just too constricting for me. Do something different every day, not just cardio or abs or whatever. Mix it up, do research, join a class (the instructors can do the thinking and planning and mixing up for you!), go to the park, listen to music or watch TV, exercise with friends, or by yourself. Figure out what works best for you! And do not get discouraged!

Always remember, though, that exercise is to be healthy. Not to be skinny.

What really helped me start working out was getting an exercise buddy. Having someone who can keep you accountable really helps, because you both keep each other motivated.

Something important to consider in a work-out buddy is how well you know them. For example, I tried to work out with my sister a few years ago and it failed miserably. We know each other way too well and we feel too comfortable with each other. That leads to early morning texts saying, "Ugh, let's skip the workout today." Both of us knew the other wouldn't mind if we skipped a day, and skipping a day here and there led to just not working out at all.

My current work-out buddy is a friend of mine, but we have only been friends for a shorter amount of time, at least compared to my sister. I feel bad if I have to tell her I don't feel like working out in the morning, and consequently, we get together almost every morning. We both have toddlers, so occasionally a legitimate excuse comes up, but for the most part, we do well with keeping to our schedule.