The New Year is here, and with it will have arrived many resolutions that involve exercise, getting fit, losing a few pounds and generally avoiding becoming a couch potato. To get into such a regime, you certainly don’t need to be really fit, incredibly fast or the best at what you do to get the benefits from a workout, but you really do need to be motivated.

Lack of motivation is one of the biggest reasons why people abandon their resolutions, watching their once passionate dreams of becoming a super-fit exercise machine wash down the sink like dirty dish water. In January, friends among the office chatter about goals for the year ahead and it can really motivate you. “Yes, I’ll do this!” Once February comes around however, resolution gossip is long gone, replaced with discussions of sales, family and what you’re having for dinner.

So how do you stick to your goals? How do you keep yourself motivated all year long, and not just the early weeks of January? Check out some of these tips!

Be Realistic – When setting goals, don’t allow yourself to be disappointed by setting unrealistic goals. If you've never run a half marathon before, you’re not going to be able to run one in two months; these things take time. By setting yourself a sensible schedule, you can work towards your goals rationally and at a sensible pace.

Treat Yourself – “Hi there, beautiful item of clothing! Can I buy you?” To help you stay motivated, incentivise and reward yourself for hitting goals. Managed to go to the gym twice this week? Treat yourself to a new magazine. Ran the furthest you ever have in a month? Treat yourself to something you really want. If you have a treat in mind that you can only buy if you hit your goals, you can visualise it when you feel like giving up…it’ll help you get up and go.

Schedule – Many people use the excuse that they can’t fit exercise into their day. However, ensure that you make time. Are you a morning person? Set the alarm 30 minutes earlier and head outside for a half an hour workout. More of an evening dweller? Run home from work if feasible or use the exercise bike after the kids have gone to bed.

Mix It Up – Don’t allow yourself to get bored. If you’re seeing the benefits of your workout but getting bored of the same routine, change things around. Add another exercise to your weekly training, or invite a friend to run with you. The latter is a great motivator! If you and a friend arrange to meet up on a certain day, you’re going to feel bad if you cancel…so don’t.

Add Music & Tracking – Music can really help you build up a sweat when exercising (although be cautious when using outdoors – watch for traffic). Create yourself a playlist that’ll keep you energised! It also pays to track your workouts too. Tools like the FitBit allow you to count your steps, and watches like the Garmin allow you to track your calories and mileage. Things like this can all contribute towards you sticking to your goals because you can actually see the results.

Buy Great Workout Gear – What’s a workout if you’re uncomfortable in what you’re wearing? That’s just no good! Invest in some quality activewear like bamboo. Our bamboo activewear clothing is great for yoga, the gym or any exercise. Slip into the softest, eco-friendly fabric in the market whilst staying dry and fresh as you sweat it out outdoors or in the gym. Choosing bamboo clothing for your high-intensity activities would be your best investment yet. Bamboo is hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking to help keep you cool and odour-free.