Working out doesn't suck... Okay, okay.. It doesn't suck THAT bad. It's turning TLC off and getting off the couch that's hard. So we've compiled a list of motivation tools to help keep you on your diet and in the gym!

Get DVR.

This can help in a few ways:

• The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show only happens on once a year. Everyone knows this is like the best motivation there is. So DVR that bad boy and if you are ever feeling like skipping your morning cardio, just flip that on while you tie your tennis shoes and you're mind should change pretty quickly. 
•  You can DVR your favorite shows so you can watch them after your workout. 

Buy New Workout Gear.

I know when I have new workout gear, I always want to hit the gym or run around the park to show it off. Examples of sweet workout gear that motivates people to hit the gym are:

• iPods/iPod running band. These look awesome on your arm and are great for any type of running!
• Running shorts. These come in tons of colors, are super comfortable, and flattering on all body shapes! 
• Running tights/yoga pants. OMG. I love my running tights and my yoga pants. I want my butt to look fab in them, so I do my best to keep up the good work!
• Sports bras. Okay, I'll be honest. These are my guilty pleasures. I am obsessed with sports bras and buy them in every color.
• Tennis Shoes. The right tennis shoes can really make you want to get out there and hit the pavement! I want to Monogram a pair of Nikes!

Take Supplements.

There are products for just about everything you need: Fat burners, pre-workouts, post-workouts, energy boosters, etc. I love the idea of supplements because not only do they boost my performance, energy and recovery, they help keep me motivated. They aren't necessarily cheap and buying them helps you commit to working out and following through! Also, if you get pre-workout products, you are supposed to drink them 30 minutes before your workout. I love this because when I drink it, I always get this "Well, you drank it, you idiot. Now, you have to work out" mentality.

Future-Trophy-Wife.com has paired up with Cellucor to get our readers a discount on their products! You get 25% OFF and FREE SHIPPING when you use the code "trophy". This company has received many prestigious awards and we are glad they are willing to do this for our interested readers! So, take advantage of it! WE DID! :) My personal favorite products are: 

Cellucor Super HD Fat Targeting & Sculpting Agent:

I LOVED this. I take one every morning. It gives me more energy than an ADHD kid that ate all of his Halloween candy at once. Not only did I have long-lasting energy, but my appetite went down. Normally, I find it acceptable to convince myself that I'm hungry when I'm actually just bored or stressed and this product definitely helped me fight that appetite. 

Cellucor C4 EXTREME PRE-WORKOUT:

Why I loved this? Energy. Lots of it. Great to boost your workout. It is an amazing product. It's quick, easy, and honestly tasted better than any pre-workout I had ever tried before. You mix it, drink it, then workout. When I take this product, I feel a lot like the slinky going down the escalator on the Geico commercials. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Set Goals.

There are two types of goals you should set for yourself: Long-Term and Short-Term.

Long-Term Goals

These can be anywhere from 6 months to lifetime. A long-term goal is sometimes referred to as the "Ultimate Goal". This can be a certain weight, size, endurance/fitness level, etc. It can be anything you want it to be, but make sure you deem this the Long-Term Goal. It's important to separate the Long-Term Goal from the Short-Term Goal to keep from getting discouraged.

Short-Term Goals

Alright, guys. Short-Term Goals need to be SMART: Specific. Measureable. Attainable. Relevant. Timely.  

An Example of a SMART Short-Term Goal is: "Lose 10lbs in 30 days."

• Specific: The goal is obvious and you know exactly what it means.
• Measurable: After 30 days, you will be able to tell (via a scale) if you have lost 10lbs.
• Attainable: Losing 10lbs in 30 days isn't necessarily "easy" but it is more doable than in a week.
• Relevant: If you are trying to fit in a certain dress or be a certain size, losing 10lbs is relevant with your Long-Term Goal.
• Timely: 30 days is a great time for a Short-Term Goal! And it is obviously stated in the goal!

Examples of possible Short-Term Goals:

• Lose X lbs. in X days.
• Workout 4 days this week. 
• Eat breakfast every morning this week.

Examples of UNSUCCESSFUL Short-Term Goals are:

• Lose 50lbs in a month.
• Workout 2 times a day for a year. 
• Eat 1 meal a day. 

Not only are all of these unhealthy for the average person, if you are anything like me, the above listed goals are unattainable. Let's be honest with ourselves and set goals that we can reach! Nothing is more motivating than reaching a goal you set for yourself!

Reward Yourself.

My favorite reward is to buy a new pair of jeans or a dress once I keep 5lbs off for 2 weeks. Since I love new clothes, this is a great goal and who doesn't love shopping when they feel skinny? I know I dooooooo. Do your best to avoid rewarding yourself with food or alcohol. You don't want to look at food as something that makes you happy. Eat to live, don't live to eat.

Find a Workout Partner.

A workout partner helps you keep yourself accountable if you can't afford a personal trainer. They have to be motivated enough to avoid being seduced by your pizza and wine night instead of running the hills. STAY STRONG, MY FRIEND. STAY STRONG! And you have to be there for them when they are trying to get out of your spinning class because it's Taco Tuesday at their favorite Mexican Restaurant. Friends don't let friends skip cardio.

Keep it up! -FTW