It may not be the start of a new year, but there is never a better time than NOW to start hitting the gym. It can be hard starting a new routine, but once you’re in the routine of working out, you will find its breeze. Working out improves your overall health including your sleep, mood, energy, and alertness. There will never be a day you regret that you worked out, and although it may be hard to take that first step into the gym, these tips are sure to help you get motivated.

1. Be Realistic.

If you have not worked out in a long time or have never worked out, then don’t expect to be able to keep up with those who have. Getting in shape takes time, patience, and persistence. If you try to over-exert yourself in the beginning, you will only make things extremely difficult and likely painful as well. Take things slow, and you will see results without unnecessary struggle.

2. Find a Personal Trainer.

Although many of us don’t have the extra money in our budget for a personal trainer, if you are able to scrape up the money for a few sessions it will benefit you in the short and long run. A personal trainer serves as both a motivator and a teacher. The beginning is always the hardest, and a personal trainer can help guide you and get you through those tough days. Just a few sessions with one will greatly improve your knowledge of the anatomy of working out, as well as tips and tricks for getting in shape.

3. Set a Date.

Find a date you can set for yourself as a goal for getting in shape. Whether it be a holiday, anniversary, or maybe just the start of summer. Try to set your goal of keeping a gym routine for an occasion you can look forward to. Maybe even plan an end of the summer pool party and make that your goal for showing off all of your hard work.

4. Find a Friend.

Having a friend at the gym is a big motivator. If your friend is ahead of you in the gym, then they can motivate you to keep up with them and teach you ways to improve your workout. If they are at the same pace or behind you at the gym, then you can serve as a motivator for them, which will in turn motivate you as well.

5. Eat Properly.

It is much harder to get motivated for the gym with a daily ritual of donuts and pizza. Eating the right food is necessary to fuel your body and get through those long workouts. Try to minimize the junk food, and instead fill your body with lean meats, healthy fats,fruits and vegetables.

6. Stay Hydrated.

Stay hydrated with as much water as you can drink. Water helps flush out toxins in your body, keeps your digestive system in good shape, helps keep you full, all while helping you burn extra calories. Drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day can help you burn over a hundred extra calories as well as save you from extra snacking throughout the day. Staying refreshed is important to staying motivated.

7. Get Plenty of Rest.

You will feel far more motivated to hit the gym if you are well rested rather than trying to function with just a few hours of sleep. Sleep is key for our energy, and energy is a must for the gym. Try to get at least 6-8 hours of sleep at night in order to stay on track.

8. Set a Routine.

Set a realistic routine which you can stick to. If you are more of an evening person than a morning person, then set a routine of going to the gym 2-3 evenings per week. If you would rather get your workout done before work in the morning, then make that your routine. Setting a routine will help you to stay on pace and not let yourself make excuses for not working out.

9. Update Your Gear.

If you can, go out and buy yourself a new pair of tennis shoes and some activewear. You will feel excited about being able to show off your new wardrobe and feel confident when you workout. You will also feel more inclined to go to the gym in order to make use of your new attire.

10. Create an Upbeat Playlist

There is a reason why you see everyone in the gym with headphones on. There is nothing that compares to music for getting you pumped up and ready to work. Create a playlist of your favorite upbeat songs and listen to them before and while you’re at the gym. Your workouts will fly by when you’re listening to music and you will soon find music is the biggest motivator out there.

This article was written by Matthew Hall. On more than one occasion, Matthew has been called a gym rat. He lives for fitness and can always be found either going on a job, playing a game of pickup basketball, or hitting the gym. He loves sharing his passion for healthy living with anyone he possibly can. When he isn’t on the go, Matthew works as a professional writer for Rejuve Health Clinics. To learn more about health and fitness, visit Matthew’s Google+.