Do you find yourself talking your way out of getting fit this year on a day to day basis, even though you want to lose weight or tone up certain areas? Well, here are some great ways to talk back to your anti-fitness self and get back in the fitness game:

• Push through the negative self-talk: If you set out to lose weight and get fit this year, but you constantly tell yourself that you'll never be able to accomplish such a goal, then you won't. Abolish negative self-talk the moment it arises in your mind. If you ever find yourself thinking, "I'll never be able to lose ten pounds, I'm stuck," catch that thought, flip it and say: "I'll be able to lose the weight and look great!"
• Keep your workout gear in plain sight: One of the best ways to keep fitness in the front of your mind and keep yourself thinking positively about it is to place your workout gear in plain sight in your home. If the gear is hidden away in a closet, you are less likely to think about it, and less likely to view it as an instrinsic element of your daily life.
• Put up encouraging words about being physically fit around your house: When I am absolutely determined to accomplish a certain goal, I like to write positive statements about that goal on post-its and place them around the house. For example, consider writing "I will lose [fill in the blank] pounds by this [insert deadline here]!" on a post-it, and place it near or on your bathroom mirror. After seeing that post-it over and over again, your mind will naturally absorb it and start to believe it. Once your mind is in gear, the way you plan your day and week for fitness will naturally fall in line.
• Only talk about your fitness goals with people who will encourage you: If you plan on losing weight, don't talk to friends or family members about your weight loss goals if they are going to fill your mind with discouragement and self-doubt. Only discuss your goals with friends who will encourage you and believe that you can do whatever you set your mind to.
• Make a workout schedule, and stick to it: It's one thing to say, "I'm going to go to the gym this week." It is another thing to actually schedule the exact days that you will go to the gym, and at what times. Work the gym directly into your planner so it is incorporated into your plans for the day and week.
• Don't find a reason to not go to the gym: We've all had those moments where we plan to go to the gym, then make up a great excuse for why we probably shouldn't go that day. Does this sound familiar?: "The weather doesn't look that great. I won't go to the gym now", or "Yeah, I'm tired. I won't go to the gym now." Ditch the excuses, push through whatever you are feeling, and get your tush in the gym asap!
• Create a fitness back up plan: If you aren't able to go to the gym because something is actually blocking you from getting there (like, really bad weather where you would be nuts to go to the gym in such conditions, or transportation is lacking), have a back up workout that you can do at home. For example, consider buying a fitness DVD that you will enjoy and use at home, or create your own workout that includes both cardio and strength training exercises.
• Keep track of your progress: One of the best ways to keep yourself encouraged with your fitness and talk back to your "anti-fitness self" is with written dialogue. Keep track of your workout progress in a fitness journal. When you feel discouraged, read your fitness journal and remind yourself that if you keep pushing through the difficult times, you'll be able to accomplish even more than what you already have.
• Reward yourself when you accomplish your workout goals for the week: When you reach your fitness goal for the week, treat yourself. Buy yourself an ice cream cone, or buy a new slim-fitting pair of jeans. Whatever the reward, it should make you feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in your progress.
• If at first you don't succeed, try try again: If you have tried to get back into the fitness game but are struggling to do so, don't permanently talk yourself out of working out. With every new day is a new opportunity to get back into a fitness routine. Why not start today? 

-Written by: Cafe Belle's Fitness and Health Barista