Happy June, readers! People often ask me for helpful tips to make sure that they get in their weekly workouts. Of course I have about 100 but here are a few to get you going!

Way too often we tend to put ourselves low on the totem pole when our schedules get busy and demanding. Try to find a time of day that you are able to squeeze in your workout without too much distraction. Whether it be early in the morning or right after work before going home, or even after dinner. For example, in my calendar book, I write down my name at a time each day that I plan to exercise so that I have time to take care of myself. . . and I make this appointment pretty hard to break. In taking care of yourself, you will be better to others as well!

We all have days that we need to self-motivate more than others. On such days, I say "mantras" to myself that really push me into getting in the groove of the workout. Whether it be singing an empowering song in my head, thinking about a passed loved one, or simply just telling myself that "I AM STRONG!", I find that these little tools help to get (and keep) me going.

If you break up the workout into time or activity segments, it can help you push through a long and/or challenging session. For example, if you plan to strength train for 60 minutes, try to approach it as 10 minutes of arms, 10 minutes of legs, and 10 minutes of core (abs and back); and do two rounds. Or for cardio, break up the session into one mile fragments instead of a full five mile trek. When I go out on my hour long runs, I tell myself "I am doing three 20-minute runs." Sounds kind of silly but it REALLY works. This mental trick can make the workout go by more quickly give you endurance!

Instead of using large machines that have fixed angles, use your own body to strength train. At So.Be.Fit. we like to call it "Training the body from the inside out". Old fashioned squats, lunges, push-ups, wall sits and abdominal exercises are challenging, take up no space, challenge your core and balance, and, as an added bonus, are free since they require no equipment! So, when you are short on time and can't make it to the gym you can still get in a great workout at home.

Not surprisingly, studies have shown that those who regularly insult their physical appearance are much less likely to attain their health and fitness goals than those with a more positive self-image. Look at your body as a priceless asset and think about all of the wonderful things you can do because of it. Your body is your livelihood and should be praised more often than bashed. For example, instead of thinking how big your butt looks in those jeans, thank your butt for getting you around all day!