It's getting colder out there. And the heat isn't working in my house right now. It's IMPOSSIBLE to get out of my beloved sweat pants, put on running clothes and head out on a jog. I guess it's happening, winter is in the air and I'm slowly flushing my fitness motivation down the toilet. It's sad. I worked so hard this summer and I'm about to kiss all those great results goodbye. I need help. It's a good thing our trusty Facebook friends came to the rescue and offered up their tried and true tips for maintaining fitness motivation. [caption id="attachment_2094" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="It just took a little encouragement to get me into my running shoes and out the door!"] [/caption] Here are 8 encouraging tips for maintaining fitness motivation 1. Sasha Dunfield: Finding something I love - that way it doesn't feel like exercise! This is such great advice. There's no sense in working hard at something you don't like. I also subscribe to the thought that if you're sick of your fitness routine, then switch it up. 2. Vanessa David Kenyon: Seeing the changes in the mirror. So true! Even if the change is really small it's so rewarding when you see your hard work is paying off. This works the other way around too. If you've spent a lot of time sitting on the couch eating potato chips (who me? never!), you may start noticing that little belly growing ever so slightly ... 3. Debbie Fackrell Perkins: I've worked out my entire life (I'm 46); it's a habit, like brushing my teeth. I realized a long time ago the state of my health and how I look/feel is largely in my hands. I'll do what it takes to stay vibrant as I age -- I owe it to myself and my family! I find this so motivating. I always see women who are older than me who are super fit, and out and about exercising, and I always hope that I'll be one of those ladies when I'm 50. This tip alone got me out of me sweats and into my running tights. 4. Lindsay Coulter: Grab a friend There's nothing more motivating then exercising with a friend. It's like social hour with a little sweat. Not only can you chat and spend time with someone you love, but you'll also feel accountable to someone. 5. Lynz Danielson: Commit to every morning, same time. I do the treadmill for 45 minutes before I do anything else around the house and yard. It has become a routine and now I feel guilty when I am delayed or must miss. I love the idea of getting your workout over with first thing in the morning, then you don't have to worry about talking yourself into it later in the day. Now, if it wasn't for that darned snooze button ... 6. Louise Aspden: I learned to teach ZUMBA this year at 50 years old...first time I have ever been this active! Now I enjoy the benefits and love watching others enjoy them too! Further evidence than learning something new will boost your fitness motivation! 7. Tianna Jade Albrecht: Registering for a paid class and feeling obligated to go because I spent the money on it! Good idea! No one likes to waste money. Yet another thing to hold you accountable. 8. Angi Regan: I run so I can eat whatever I want!! seriously!! love that! OK. So you mean if I keep up with the running I won't feel so guilty about that delicious Green & Black's chocolate bar I ate last night? Alright, that's it. I'm heading out the door this very second ... What's your fitness motivation?