Even the most dedicated exercisers have days when they don't want to workout.  I am still teased about a time a few years ago when I changed into my workout clothes all ready to go to the gym, but instead sat on the couch and ate a piece of cake.  It happens sometimes, but here are three things that help me get that workout in when I'm not feeling it.

1.  Think about your why.  Why do you workout?  Do you have health issues you are helping to alleviate or prevent?  Do you want to be healthier to live longer or to be able to play more with your kids?  Whatever your reason for exercising, let it motivate you to get up and do it.

2.  You will feel better when you are done.  Seriously.  I have never regretted a workout but I have regretted NOT exercising.  I tell myself if I still feel like stopping after 10 minutes, I can, but I at least have to start.  99% of the time, I feel like continuing after starting.  I always feel good after a great run or class.  It's key to remember this when you are thinking about not starting out.

3.  Make a short term goal.  I am very goal oriented.  If I have something I am working toward, I am motivated to make strides to meet that target.  Some things that have worked for me in the past; signing up for a 5k, lose five pounds this month or get 10,000 steps each day.  Don't keep your goal a secret, be sure to tell your friends and family so they will help keep you accountable.  

What things help you to not skip a workout?  

When starting any new habit, routine or endeavor, it is smart to think about all the ways it could fail.  I am not advocating a negative mindset here, but want you to be prepared for any bumps in the road that could result in failure to continue.  

For example, think about your workouts.  If you would like to workout consistently, great!  Get started!  But think about the things life is going to throw at you that might make it difficult.   Plan what you will do when your child gets sick, or you get sick, or you forget your gym clothes, or you go on vacation.  These are all roadblocks that could prevent you from staying in the exercise habit. Make sure you are prepared to handle any instance and stay on track.  

Let's say you have been working out every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evening at the gym after work.  Then you get a new project and have to stay late Monday night, then again Wednesday night.  If you haven't prepared for this, you might skip your workout since you are at work late and not work out all week.  But if you have planned ahead for this possibility, and decided if ever something came up that you had to do during your regular workout time, you would switch to a morning workout using a dvd or online workout at home or replace a weekday workout with one on the weekend.  No big deal, just switch to plan B and you keep your habit of exercise.  

Preparing for any circumstance will help you keep on track.  Failure is not an option!