This article is for those that haven’t found the love in exercise. You know who you are. You’ve tried going to the gym. When that failed, you hired a personal trainer hoping the added expense and accountability would motivate you to becoming the gym buff you imagined yourself to be.

But that didn’t work either.

Every time you begin a workout programme to get in shape something gets in the way of your new-found goals.

Somewhere inside, you know what the real problem is — you hate working out. It’s time-consuming, hard, makes you sweaty and uncomfortable.

You hate how your workout clothes look on you and there’s so much else that can be done with that time other than working out. How do other people manage? What is their secret? How do they stay motivated day after day, month after month, year after year? Are they from another planet?

Well, not many are born loving exercise or going to the gym. But what separates people who stick to a programme from those who don’t is simply the feeling of being fit/healthy/active. Working out when you aren’t in shape can be painful and gruelling.

The good news is that you can get in shape and enjoy exercise; that you can get to a point where it is no longer mentally painful. But ... the only way for that to happen is to start!

Once you do that, your first goal should be consistency. That will help you get to a point where you can find enjoyment in your routine.

Here are a few tips to help you begin:

1. Commit

Commit to sticking with your plan. If you’ve become too ambitious with your new routine, change it so that it becomes more manageable.

2. Plan

Planning your workout is crucial. Benjamin Franklin once said: “If you fail to prepare, be prepared to fail.”

When it comes to your workout be sure to plan your clothes, food, childcare, etc.

On most Sundays I prepare my family’s meals until at least Wednesday, which allows me to manage my workout time without having to wonder what we are going to eat.

3. Begin slowly

Start with a walk if you don’t run. Do partial push-ups instead of full ones. Don’t expect to be a superhero overnight. For now, keep it simple until you are ready to push it harder.

4. Fun first

Not all exercise happens in a gym setting. Try rock climbing; outdoor circuit classes; basketball; netball; tennis — whatever activity you consider fun and exciting. Start with the exciting and inviting activities first, then the sky is the limit!

5. Rewards

Once you have reached your first goal, reward yourself. Doing something consistently is a major accomplishment. Grab yourself a reward that’s not related to food such as a new iPod or an outfit for a job well done.

Remember try not to torture yourself at the gym or during fitness class by picking up the heaviest weights or overdoing it, because getting injured will discourage you from returning.

When you are in shape you will be able to push a little harder but, for now, just make sure you do something regularly without making excuses.

Betty Doyling is a certified fitness trainer and figure competitor with more than a decade of experience. Check her out on Facebook: www.facebook.com/B.ActiveForLife. Find the love in exercise and B-Active For Life!