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​There is many elements which go into creating a consistent exercise program​. If you are just getting started or thinking about getting back into training, ab buddy would like to offer some tips below to help create an environment to motivate and guide you on the road to success. 

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Here are some initial steps to take:

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• Make it easy to exercise - Ensure you have everything you need to workout at home or outside,  alternatively find a gym close by, not miles away (say no more than 10 miles). Think about the workout you will complete, how long it will take and any equipment what you need to complete it. Ensure you have this available so when you decide to workout so you can start straight away. 

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• Ask for help - Not sure where to start or what to do? If you can afford it maybe hire a personal trainer or simply review ab buddy's community of workouts on instagram for free!

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• Find an exercise you like to do - You don't have to love it, however, try to find an exercise, sport or class you enjoy. Walking is always an excellent place to start. Forget about what you think you should do and do something you like or at least something you can tolerate. Everything feels hard at first, but it gets easier as you keep going. 

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• Get good at something - One of the internal motivators is self-efficacy. It feels good to master something, so why not master an exercise or class such as core workouts, push ups, cycling or  aerobics? When you focus on doing something well, you forget about the fact that you are exercising.

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• Find a workout buddy - Find someone in the same situation as you and see if they would like to join  you or contact someone who you can text every day for to provide an update on your progress. Beyond that, gain family support so you can have your workout time without having to worry about your parental responsibilities or chores. 

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• Try out new activities  - The first few things you try may not work and that's totally normal. Don't keep trying things that you don't like or that don't work. Give yourself the option to experiment until you get to know yourself a little better and what suits you, your fitness level and your lifestyle. 

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• Be flexible - Every day is different and some days motivation is hard to come by. This is a good time to think about what's going on - why aren't you motivated? Maybe this is because you are extra tired or it could be that you are bored with your current exercise routine. Maybe you need more sleep or maybe you need to ditch your plans and just go for a walk. Listen to yourself and you'll find the motivation you need.

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• Reward yourself - Make sure you reward yourself for every workout you do, no matter how small. This could be making time to listen to music or read a book. Time to soak in a hot tub or browsing a bookstore. Every month, plan bigger rewards like a massage or a night out. Knowing you get a treat is a great motivator, however, it is important to keep an eye on your diet as exercise and diets work hand in hand. Blowing a workout on eating something bad is not going to achieve the results you desire. ​

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• Keep going and don't stop - There is normally a time, possibly a few weeks after you begin to work out when motivation flags and you may want to quit. This is the moment you need to keep going because one of the ingredients for consistent exercise is momentum. Once you start the momentum, working out becomes easier. A big part of exercising is simply getting in the habit, so try and make this part of your daily / weekly routine.

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Motivation is just one part of becoming an exerciser and it's probably the one thing we struggle with when we're just getting started.

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Don't let your motivation fade away, think back to why you started and what is important to you, beyond weight loss and looking good. People who exercise look for reasons to do it because they know it makes life better. Think about what would make your life better and you will find the motivation to keep going. Good luck!