By Ashley Tripp, Student at the University of Alabama

It’s one thing to say you’re going to the gym and another to actually go to the gym. Why is it that some of us read exercise articles and pin countless workout pins to our Pinterest boards but fail to actually apply them?

I’m here to tell you that 2013 is your year to stop making excuses and to start living a healthy and active lifestyle.

Here are six tips that will give you the motivation you’ll need to keep going to the gym!

1. Get a new workout wardrobe
Need new shorts, tops or a pair of tennis shoes? Go shopping and treat yourself to a new workout wardrobe. A new workout wardrobe gives you the confidence and motivation you’ll need when going the gym. Plus, it’s a great excuse to show off your new outfit at the gym. What good are workout clothes if they just sit in your closet? Check out this example of a kickin' workout wardrobe.

2. Use exercise apps and music
Nowadays you hardly ever see someone on the elliptical or jogging without headphones. Music is a great way to either speed up or slow down your workout pattern. The beat or lyrics can give you motivation to ignore the pain and focus on the music. Downloading new workout music can spice up your workout experience. Also, if you download an exercise app, it can serve as a daily reminder to get to the gym. Check out these great workout apps here and here.

3. Find an accountability partner
Having an accountability partner is essential if you want to stay committed to going to the gym. You and your partner can serve as a daily reminders and motivators to staying committed.

4. Make a consistent workout schedule
It is important to make time for the gym. Find a good balance that works best with your schedule and stick with it. The longer you wait to go to the gym, the longer you are procrastinating and the more tired your body is going to eventually feel.

5. Set reasonable goals
Don’t expect to get a six-pack the next day after working out or to lose 5 pounds after a spinning class. The results will come only if you stay committed to going to the gym. The key is to have patience and to set reasonable goals that will help you achieve your desired dream body. Also, only weigh yourself every so often. The important thing to remember is to not pick a part every flaw about you but to find the confidence and happiness within yourself instead. Every person’s body type is different, so don’t compare yourself with what you see in the magazines.

6. Add variety to your workouts
Are you tired of the same boring routine you do at the gym? If so, you should spice up your workout routine! The best way avoid overdoing it is to tone your upper body one day and then your lower body the next. Your cardio can consist of running, treadmill, elliptical, bicycle, jump rope or even a fitness class such as Zumba or kickboxing. The varieties are endless. You’d be surprised by how many calories you burn with just one cycling class!

Want to find ways to keep your New Year's resolutions? Check out our New Year, New Chic board on Pinterest.

Image courtesy of imagerymajestic / FreeDigitalPhotos.net