It’s May! We’ve reached that time of year where, especially if you’ve slacked off with your exercise, we’re all rushing to get fit before Bermuda Day.

We all know the benefits of keeping fit but that doesn’t mean you’re always motivated to do what’s necessary. This week we will talk about some ways to stay motivated.

I’ve also reached out to Bermuda’s moms, in light of Mother’s Day on Sunday, to find out which ways work for them. Look for their video posts on my Facebook page, facebook.com/B.ActiveForLife, and on Instagram, @bactiveforlife.

In the meantime, here are some ways to get fired up about working out:

1, Focus on how you are feeling instead of looking for body shape changes, which will take longer. If you are consistently exercising (at least two to three times a week) it’s likely you will start feel more energised, less stressed, be sleeping better and begin building confidence in your training skills in about a month, more or less.

These benefits can help you stay motivated so that you eventually see the physical changes and health improvements you desire.

2, Variety really is the spice of life. Learn to incorporate different routines and moves to keep you motivated. Working out every day can become tedious when you’re doing the same thing over and over. As long as you’re doing something different, it will keep you busy and it will prevent you from being bored.

3, Do what you love to do. If you love biking and can’t stand running, why run? Bike instead! Doing what you enjoy will keep you coming back for more.

4, Set short-term as well as long-term goals. A long-term goal to lose 50lbs in a year can get pretty discouraging because it takes quite a bit of time to get there.

Break that goal down to losing 10lbs every five weeks or even 2lbs every week. That way you can see that you are making progress and you’ll feel good every time you achieve one of those smaller goals.

5, Understand that everyone has setbacks. We all mess up and have disappointments when it comes to our exercise routines. Instead of getting down on yourself or quitting your programme all together, move on. None of us is perfect.

6, Find someone to cheer you on or, even better, do it with you. Having a good support system when you are trying to stick with an exercise routine is a great way to keep yourself on track.

Another option if you have a friend who has similar goals, is to work out with them! You can keep each other going.

Celebrate your successes and set goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, timely and B-Active For Life!

• Betty Doyling is a certified fitness trainer and figure competitor with more than a decade of experience. Check her out on Facebook: facebook.com/B.ActiveForLife