1. Pick a challenge, and work towards it.
2. Have fun while you're working out.
3. Find a workout partner.
4. Set up a reward system: working out for money.
5. Stop counting!

Let's go through these one at a time.

1. Pick a challenge, and work towards it.

A lot of the time, if you're anything like me, you don't feel much motivation to work out because it just seems like a never ending process. I go running every day, but why? After a while, I just don't see much of a point anymore, and find a lot of reasons to stay in bed instead.

Well, set a challenge for yourself. If you like running, then find a local 5K or 10K that's going to be happening in a few months. Decide that you are going to go for it. Don't pick a half marathon or marathon, unless you're already working out. Otherwise you'll just get discouraged. Once you run that 5K, then pick another one.

You can also plan an overnight bike trip that you want to take. Or how about a certain lifting weight. Any sort of goal that you can work towards.

2. Have fun while you're working out.

Working out doesn't have to be a dreary, painful chore, and when it is, we lose motivation quickly. Find something that you have a good time doing. If you love to dance, there are lots of gyms that offer dance workouts. You can also buy dance workout videos. If you've always liked hiking, then do more of it. You don't have to be miserable, and if you don't like what you're doing, you'll end up quitting.

3. Find a workout partner.

Working out with a partner is a great idea not necessarily even for the social element, though that's a benefit. Few things are more guilt inducing than knowing that your neighbor is waiting for you at the racquetball court, or is standing on the corner outside your house, waiting for you. If someone else is counting on you, then you will be more prone to actually stick with your program.

4. Reward yourself.with money.

For every single time that you make it to the gym, put a dollar in a jar. This is a great way to save up for that new TV that you want, or that trip to the Grand Canyon. If you know that you're going to get money out of it, then you will be more prone to work out. Don't cheat and just pay yourself anyway!

5. Stop counting.miles, calories, hours.

One of the best ways to kill your desire to work out is by counting pounds, calories, miles, or whatever else. Instead of basing your motivation on these types of goals, choose something higher. Decide that you want to get healthy and motivated so that you can play more easily with your kids. Do it for your heart. Do it for your blood pressure. If you're always comparing workout times with that strudel that you ate for breakfast, it will just become a chore. Instead, decide that you want to reduce stress, and this is the best way to do so.