Question: I know what I have to do to lose weight and exercise, but I am having trouble keeping motivated. Any suggestions?

        Answer: The old saying “If you're bored, you're boring,” has a bit of truth. I am not trying to be sarcastic, but rather to highlight that even though you know what to do, you still have to get out there, be creative and find new ways to build on your established foundation of fitness.

        Find a workout partner who knows more than you to expose you to new and different ways of training, preparation, nutrition and motivation.

        If that doesn't appeal to you, try new sports that require you to train in new ways.

        For example, I am always trying out new sports and ways of training at higher levels. This helps me bring ideas to my clients and it adds a constant flow of new philosophies and strategies with regard to my personal fitness.

        I don't always like or continue every new activity, but I always learn something that can help me.

        You also may think about ways of taking your fitness levels to new heights and intensities. If you are interested in running, set a lofty goal of finishing a 15k or a marathon in the fastest time you can. If you play tennis, shoot to enter tournaments. Taking your level of conditioning to higher levels takes classic hard work and discipline, both of which require a higher level of motivation.

        Open your mind to the possibility that you can reach goals that you used to dream about. Dreams come true every day, so think big, strap on your work boots and make things happen. At the very least, you have motivated yourself again.

        Contact certified personal trainer Dave Patania at davpatania@aol.com.

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