Everybody wants to look beach-ready when the summertime rolls around, but getting your summer workout into gear can be a challenge.  It's tough to get excited about fitness sometimes, especially when exercising can be such hard work.  Don’t let the summer pass you by before you’ve got the bikini body you want; jump-start your summer workout plan in these 6 simple ways!

Plan A Sunny Summer Vacation: Giving yourself a goal to work toward is essential.  Without a goal, you could find yourself skipping workouts or exercising at a lower intensity.  Schedule a trip to a sunny locale around the middle or end of summer; that way, you’ll be forced to reach your weight loss goal by that date.  The trip will also act as a reward for all your hard work.

Join A New Fitness Class:  Finding a new and exciting fitness class can be just the thing to get you back on the workout bandwagon.  If jumping jacks and crunches bore you, try to find a class that incorporates fun with fitness.  Try a dance-based class like zumba or an energizing trampoline workout class!

Buy A New Fitness Gadget: Purchasing a new piece of fitness technology is not only exciting, but it also can help you track your progress over the course of the summer.  The Fitbit, for example, tracks your calorie intake versus your calorie output, your amount and quality of sleep, your number of steps taken, and more.  The Garmin GPS-enabled watch monitors exercise time, heart rate, pace, and distance.   

Put Together A New Playlist: A new set of tunes can be more motivating than you think.  The right playlist can make you feel the most energized you’ve ever felt, even after an hour on the treadmill.  Go through your iPod and pick out the most upbeat and motivating tracks.  Be sure to incorporate a few new favorites, so you won’t get bored.  Need help putting together a playlist?  Click here for our Summer Sweatin' Playlist!

Give Yourself A Reward: Giving yourself non-food rewards can get you back into gear if your workouts have been lagging.  After exercising, allow yourself to do something you really enjoy, whether it’s reading that new book you just can’t put down or taking a dip in the pool.  Make sure you stay disciplined, though; allowing yourself the reward without working out will put you right back where you started.

Get a Work-Out Buddy:  Find a friend who has a similar weight loss goal and schedule running sessions, group exercise classes, or trips to the gym together.  Working out with a friend makes it more difficult to cancel a workout- you wouldn’t want to ditch your friend, would you?  Having a workout buddy also provides you with emotional support and may open you up to new experiences.

For even more helpful weight loss tips, click here.