1. Talk to Yourself While You’re Exercising

You don’t have to do this out loud if you’re worried about looking like the crazy lady on the treadmill. However, research shows that talking to yourself (even if it’s in your head) can help you feel good about exercise. Choose a word or phrase and inspires you and makes you work harder and you’re session will be more enjoyable and you’ll get more out of it.

2. Give Yourself Small Triumphs

Instead of waiting to reward yourself when you finally reach your goal weight, give yourself rewards as you go. Perhaps you get a treat for every 5 to 10 pounds you drop. This might be a new sports bra or a manicure. Whatever it is, having small victories to look forward to can keep you motivated and help you love your workouts.

3. Choose an Activity You Love, Even if It Isn’t Traditional Exercise

Anything that gets your heart rate going counts as cardio and studies show that doing something you enjoy helps you stick with the routine and get the most out of your workout. If you hate jogging, don’t do it. Pick something you do love, even if it isn’t done at the gym. Riding your bike, playing soccer at the park or even gardening counts. Cool, right?

4. Think about Happy Things While You Exercise

According to a recent study, recalling happy things while you exercise can help you enjoy your exercise more. Not only can this help you stay in a good mood about getting a workout, but it can also improve your performance. What will you be thinking about? Puppies or your baby playing? Winning a race or getting a new car? The sky is the limit!

5. Focus on What You’re Doing

This might sound contrary to what I just said, and it is, but bear with me. Studies show that staying focused on your session can boost your mood and help you love your workout more. The trick is deciding whether letting your mind wander or staying concentrated on what you’re doing works better for you. Maybe you do a little bit of both. Whatever works, right?

6. Go with the Flow

Instead of thinking about exercise as a chore or one more obligation you have to get to during the day, transition your thinking. Start looking at exercise as just part of the day and something you can benefit from or as your “me time” for the day. Once you change your mind set, you’ll be surprised at how much exercising becomes less something to cross off the to-do list and more of something you love.

7. Create a Rocking Playlist

Music always makes my workout better and I’m sure the same is true for you. The trick is to fill your playlist with music that has a beats per minute rate that matches the goal heart rate you’re trying to achieve. This will help you maximize your workout while also letting you listen to tunes you love.

What makes you love your workout?