Ever find yourself eyeing your sneakers like they’re a distant relative you should call but really don’t want to? 

Yeah, we’ve all been there. 

It’s like your motivation took a vacation and forgot to tell you. 

So, what do you do when the there's no motivation?

Here are some foolproof, slightly tongue-in-cheek steps to get your fitness "mojo" back:

Bribe Yourself: That extra episode of your favorite show? Only after a workout. Planning on enjoying a stack of Cracker Barrel pancakes this weekend? Sure thing - only if you hit X amount of workouts this week. (Yes, I know it's "against the law" according to gurus to use food as a reward. But it works and I even show my clients how to use food as a reward. If it tastes like a reward, why not call it a reward? Geez, so sensitive.

Make a Playlist That Hits You: A good playlist is like rocket fuel. Mix some guilty pleasures with absolute bangers, and you might find your feet moving before your brain can argue. Nothing wrong with listening to the Rocky IV soundtrack.

Buddy Up: Misery loves company, right? Just kidding! Team up with a friend who shares your struggle. Stepping up for a walk together can be a bonding experience—plus, you’ll have someone to complain to. :) But - once you're done you'll be glad you did. My wife is doing this right now with my mother-in-law. My mother-in-law would tell my wife, "I don't feel like it this morning" and my wife would still show up and go with her. Every single time, my mother-in-law says, "I'm glad we did this. I feel so much better." They are currently walking together 5 days a week.

Set Micro-Goals: Forget the 5K for now. How about just lacing up your shoes? Baby steps. You’d be surprised how a “just one set” mentality turns into an entire workout, too. 

Reward the Wins: Celebrate your small victories! Made it to the gym? Reward yourself. Didn’t fake an injury to leave early? Even better! Positive reinforcement isn’t just for pets. 

A few reward ideas: 

• New workout outfit or perhaps new shoes
• Spa day
• Mini-getaway 
• Date night including a restaurant you've been wanting to try

Any of these can be for X amount of workouts in a month, X amount of walks in a month, averaging X amount of steps/day, sticking to eating X amount of protein per day, etc., etc., depending on your personality.

Remember, getting back into the fitness groove isn’t about punishing yourself; it’s about finding fun ways to move. 

So, lace up those sneakers, turn up the volume, and make those small strides. 

Your future self will thank you (after all the complaining :)

Mikey