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You know your exercise routine isn't working when you have to cajole and bribe yourself into doing it. You start to think, "Maybe I'll just skip this one day and make up for it next week." Or, "I am so busy this week that I just don't have the time to fit exercise in my schedule. That's okay, I will just eat extra healthy and that should make up for it."

These are all popular and overused excuses we use when we want to get out of working out. Fortunately, I have come up with a few solutions on how you can rekindle your passion for exercise and keep your health and fitness goals on track and moving in the right direction.

Tip 1: Change it up!

Doing the same walking and weight resistance routine over and over not only causes boredom, but can also condition your muscles to only work as hard as that workout needs them to and not an ounce more. This is when you need to add some hills to your walking routine. Hills are great because they make your heart work harder for a short time, and then you get to rest and recover as you go downhill. If you don't have actual hills around your house, most treadmills have a program that will incorporate an incline for you. Add some resistance bands or some traditional squats and pushups after you walk and you will have a new routine that will get your heart pumping and your muscles begging for more!

This same change can be incorporated into your routine whether you walk, do step, a spinning class, or whatever. Just change it up and add a bit more challenge to your routine and your interest will be thoroughly piqued once again.

Tip 2: Add a Friend

A buddy is always a great way to re-motivate yourself and add some fun to your routine. You guys can bounce ideas off of each other and push each other to higher limits. Plus, you get the bonus of friend time and chit-chat without the interference of phones or children. Your friend can be your support when you want to quit, your inspiration to succeed, and your motivation to push yourself farther than you ever thought possible.

Tip 3: Treat Yourself or Others

For many, simply getting healthy isn't enough motivation to stick with a program...they need something more tangible. It might sound shallow, but material things can really go a long way in the motivation department. A new pair of workout shoes, a designer handbag, or even some sparkly jewelry can really motivate a girl to stay on the right track and stick with her exercise routine.

It's the proverbial carrot that is dangling in front of you...do what you can to grab it. If material things aren't your style, try a mini-marathon or walk-a-thons and get people to pledge you to success. Not only will you be encouraging yourself to succeed, you will also have the great satisfaction of contributing to the health and well being of others.

Tip 4: Do Something You Enjoy

The most obvious tip has to be to do something that you like to do. If you are in a spin class but hate that darn bike seat, then maybe you're doing the wrong exercise. If walking is just not your thing, then stop and find something that better suits you. There is no law that says you have to do the same exercise routine every time either. Do a round of kick and cardio one week and focus on some old-school burpees, mountain climbers, and wind sprints the next.

Check out your local gym or community exercise groups and see what they're doing. Each organization usually has a great and varied selection of classes that you can choose from and all will get you on the track to success once more.