Contributed by Info Guru Jennifer Andrews

Exercise is an important component of a healthy lifestyle and recommended by most health experts worldwide.

According to the Mayo Clinic, physical activity may aid in decreasing high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, improving heart health, reducing stress and improving mood. Exercise may also assist in weight-loss efforts, particularly when combined with a healthy diet that is low in calories but high in nutritional value. Always consult with a physician or health professional prior to initiating a new exercise or diet program. Although many people may love exercise, there are still others that regard it more as a chore or find it difficult to adhere to long-term.

Check out the following top ten working out tips below to help boost your motivation to exercise for long-term health success!

10. Exercise buddy

Enlist the support of a friend, colleague or family member to help you get started and/or stick with a regular exercise routine. You are less likely to bail on getting to the gym before or after work if you have someone waiting to meet you. A workout partner can also motivate and encourage you when you are feeling lousy or tired.

9. Change it up

Trainers and fitness enthusiasts will reinforce the need to change up your workout routine when citing working out tips. Often, weight-loss plateaus and exercise boredom are a result of doing the same routine over and over again. Try a new sport, increase the weight of your strength program or get outside for a change of pace every few weeks.

8. Schedule it

You are more likely to miss workouts if you don’t plan for it as an important part of your day. Schedule workouts the same way you would any regular appointments, such as work meetings or doctor’s visits, by writing it in your calendar or daily planner.

7. Intensity

Many people shy away from exercise because they believe they have to spend hours on a treadmill or bike to lose weight or gain fitness. However, a study by the Journal of Applied Physiology demonstrated that high-intensity aerobic interval training may help increase fatty acid oxidation in women in as short as two weeks. Add intervals to your workout routine by alternating harder periods with moderate efforts. For instance, try running for a minute hard followed by two minutes easy and repeat 10 times.

6. It all counts

Physical activity doesn’t always have to be structured or pre-planned. Sometimes, particularly on overly busy or stressful days, you have to fit in what you can when you can. Try taking the stairs at work, parking a block or two further from work to walk, getting up each hour to move around or even doing push-ups in the office between meetings.

5. Comfy and cute

It is easier to stick with an exercise program when you feel your best and have a positive mindset. Looking good by dressing appropriately for your body type can help boost your self-esteem and increase your confidence at the gym.

4. Stretch it out

Avoid tight muscles, soreness and muscle injuries by adding a stretching routine to your exercise program. Stretching helps loosen up tight muscles and keeps you limber for your next activity session.

3. Hydrate

Fatigue, exhaustion, decreased performance and general apathy can result from over-training or even under-training if you spend too much time on the couch. However, dehydration can also illicit these same symptoms. Keep energy levels high by hydrating with 8 to 10 cups of water a day and eating fresh fruits and vegetables.

2. Fuel up

Physical activity and nutrition go hand-in-hand as you need to feed your body healthy foods at the right time to complement exercise needs. Try eating a small snack about an hour before going a run or hitting the weight room such as a banana or cup of low-fat yogurt.

1. Love what you do

Topping the list of working out tips is the universal belief that in order to stick with something, you should enjoy what you do. Don’t slave away on gym machines if you hate it. Rather, find an activity you enjoy whether it’s trail running, rowing, walking or taking dance classes with a group of friends.