Keeping up the good work

You’ve nearly made it through winter. Hooray, says Mel Homer

How has your motivation to get out and exercise been? Are you struggling a bit? Here are some things I find helpful to keep the motivation up when

I really just want to stay indoors with a packet of Tim Tams for company.

1 Join a gym. Just make sure you actually go, that’s the key here. Yes, I’ve been guilty in the past of donating my hard-earned cash to the gym and not utilising it, but who hasn’t? Choose a gym that suits your needs, that is near your house or place of work, where you can park, that has the trainers and classes you actually think you’d use. And team up with a buddy. That brings me to my next point.

2 Exercise with a friend. It’s much harder to talk yourself out of going to the gym, for that run or that swim if you have someone else to be accountable to. Just make sure you don’t choose a friend who can be talked out of things as easily as you.

3. Book your classes or trainer and pay in advance. If you have an appointment with your trainer, and you’ve paid them already, you’re not going to cancel. Trust me.

4 Mix it up. I get so bored when I do the same thing, week in, week out. Try different classes; boxing is always fun, and it doubles as great therapy.

5 Train for an event. It’s great incentive if you have a clear goal in place with a time limit. Perhaps a 5km run or a half marathon, or maybe an ocean swim. Get the family to join in and it doubles as bonding time as well.

6 Just remember summer is coming, and remember how great you feel when you’re fit and strong.