By TOM BONANTI

Staying fit takes more than just pumping iron and downing protein shakes. You must have patience and practice persistence and consistency. Whether you’re a bona fide pro, or just an average guy trying to get into shape, there comes a time when you feel a little frustrated, burned out and, yes, even a little bored. Just as there are a zillion ways to get fit, there are the same numbers of ways to keep up your mojo in the gym.

Make working out your special “me” time. Pressures and hassles abound at work and even at home. When you’re at the gym, you are building your body first and foremost for yourself. Shut out all mental distractions. Limit conversation. If you’re working out with a partner or trainer, make sure that accomplishing your routine comes before socializing.  Lock your cell phone away somewhere. Tune in to some high energy music and kick ass in the gym – your ass! Stay focused on using correct form and feeling the burn with each muscle contraction. Stay in tune with your body, how you feel, what you are thinking as your body goes through the marvelous changes that accompany working out.

Everyone needs short-term and long-term goals to work toward while in the gym. Otherwise, you’re left spinning your wheels.

Periodize your training by setting long-term goals for the year.

Break up the year into shorter two or three month periods, each with its own goals. A short-term goal might be wiggling that hot ass of yours into a new bathing suit. There’s no better long-term goal for working out than anticipating all the new friends you’ll make on the Atlantis Cruise you’re taking early next year. Whatever it is, give yourself something to look forward to! And hell, while you’re sculpting that gorgeous body, you may even be improving your health by lowering your blood  pressure and building cardio-vascular strength!

Insanity has been defined as doing the same things, the same way, all of the time–and expecting different results. The same can be said about your workouts as well. Think of ways to vary routines without losing the progress you’ve made. Check out the strides you can make with interval training or circuit training. Change from the same old machines you use at the gym to more free weights. Change the days you work out and the time of day you hit the gym. Change gyms if necessary. Just remember, change can be a very good and exciting thing.

Book your workouts into your schedule. Your workouts are as essential and vital to your well being as business meetings, power lunches and conference calls. Furthermore, any boyfriend, boss or co-worker that doesn’t understand your commitment to working out needs a reality check. A fit spouse makes a better lover and happier companion. A healthy employee is less likely to have “down time” being puny and sick.

Try to make each workout fun and productive. Remember to set goals and stay consistent. Fitness is a lifetime commitment. You owe it to yourself, Gorgeous! For more inspiration, contact TrainerTomB@aol.com!

 Photo courtesy, XTG

Tom Bonanti, is a certified personal trainer and owner of Pump’n Inc gym at 1271 NE 9th Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Email: TrainerTomB@aol.com  Facebook: TrainerTomB.  www.pumpnincgym.com