Staying fit requires two main things, a willingness to work and a willingness to stick with it. People go into a new fitness routine with a huge sense of enthusiasm and excitement, but as the time goes on the novelty wears off, and so does the workrate. Use these tips to keep you motivated.

If jogging or hitting the gym is not your thing and you love gardening, how about getting the shovel and wheelbarrow out and getting in a little exercise in your yard? In fact, the National Institute of Health, lists gardening among the moderate exercises that are recommeneded for combating obesity. Just weeding for 30 minutes can burn over 150 calories and you’ll work muscles in your back, legs and arms, without the jarring that jogging and aerobic exercises puts your body through. So the next time you dread putting on your jogging shoes, pick up a hoe and take care of that flower bed you’ve been meaning to get to, for the last month. It’s fun and great for your body.

Do not rely on a fitness routine that requires extensive equipment. Putting all of one’s faith in equipment-intensive exercise leaves one at the mercy of the equipment. The savvy fitness enthusiast will have a varied exercise program that includes plenty of exercises that can be performed without equipment. These exercises prevent a breakdown of one’s overall fitness strategy when equipment is temporarily unavailable.

Great looking abs will get you attention wherever you go. To get great abs, perform this simple exercise for five minutes, every morning. Lie flat on your back on the floor or on a yoga mat. Slowly bicycle your legs up and down in the air, as if you were pedaling a bike up a hill. As you push your legs away, make sure to fully extend your legs so that your knees are straight.

Consistency, consistency, consistency! These are the hallmarks of ANY fitness routine. If you can maintain your plan you will succeed. Use these tips to find new ways to work out or new reasons to keep up your motivation. Remember, we only get one body; let’s treat it right.