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So, you’ve built up a solid workout routine, then for no apparent reason you lose all sense of motivation!

You constantly feel exhausted and push your trainers to the back of your wardrobe. Sound familiar? You’re not alone! It’s common for many of us to experience a burnout from exercise, struggling to get yourself back into your groove. But don’t worry, we’ve asked our health and fitness experts for their top tips on how to stay motivated about working out throughout all four seasons.

Find a class you love

“Exercising on your own, whether it’s working out in the gym or going for a run, can be a joyless experience. But exercising with others in a class is motivating and much more fun, especially if there’s great music too. When you try a class, give it two or three chances before you decide whether you want to continue or move on to something else: sometimes it takes a few weeks to start to learn the moves, feel comfortable and really get to love it,” explains Fitness Instructor and Nutritionist Cassandra Barns.

Set yourself a realistic goal and measure your progress

There’s no point making fitness goals that are unachievable and unrealistic. Cassandra explains, “For example, you might have an initial goal of losing weight. Decide and write down how much weight you want to lose and in what time frame – a fitness instructor or trainer can help you work out a realistic goal. Take measurements at the beginning of your journey – for weight loss, this could include waist circumference and ‘before’ photos as well as simple body weight on the scales. Then take new measurements every two weeks so you can see how you’re progressing towards your goal.”

Feel good in your own skin

“The way we see and think of our bodies affects all aspects of our lives. Positive body image and self-confidence play a big role in the everyday activities we take part in such as exercising or going out with friends. When you see yourself positively and feel good in the body you’re in, it shows! It improves our interaction with other people and allows for us to reach new goals,” explains Nutritionist and Weight Loss Coach, Pippa Campbell (www.pippacampbellhealth.com).

Have more sex

Struggling to find some couple time and keep up with a fitness regime? Why not combine the both, through lovemaking? Not only can this help to burn calories, but it can also help you have a great sleep, which can leave you feeling more energised! “Sex or masturbation can help to relieve tension and help you go off to sleep faster,” says Dr Marilyn Glenville, the UK’s leading Nutritionist (www.marilynglenville.com). By getting a good night’s sleep it can then help you to be more productive the next day, which in turn can help you stay motivated for your exercise routine!

Get a fitness tracker

“They’re an excellent way to set yourself a daily goal, such as ten thousand steps or burning a certain number of calories,” suggests Cassandra.

Slow-releasing energy

Cassandra explains, “To give yourself enough energy to work out – and to enjoy it –base your diet on foods that release their energy slowly and steadily. We’re talking mainly about whole foods such as vegetables, whole grains, meat, eggs and fish, nuts and seeds. The opposite – processed foods, high-sugar snacks or sugary drinks – will give you an initial burst of energy followed by a slump that can leave you feeling drained. Not ideal in the middle of a workout!”

If you need that little extra boost of energy for your gym sessions, try adding a scoop of protein powder to your green smoothie to help provide you with long lasting energy. Cassandra recommends Natures Plus Organic Almond Protein Powder (£40.50, www.naturesplus.co.uk) because it is a smooth, plant-based protein powder made from the highest quality, organic almonds.

Work out with friends or join an online community

“Being with others who are going through the same journey helps keep you motivated and accountable. If it’s not possible to exercise with friends directly, then try an online workout programme that has a Facebook or similar group you can join so you can share your progress and challenges with others,” suggests Cassandra.

Eat every three hours

“Try to keep your blood sugar levels and energy levels stable by eating regularly. Eat breakfast, lunch and dinner plus a snack mid-morning and one mid-afternoon, with no longer than three hours between. I’d also suggest that you should try not to eat carbohydrates after 6pm,” suggests Marilyn.

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