Losing weight is no easy task, and it's even harder when your close friends aren't on board.  There's no need to lay the blame on heavy, but once you're aware of what (or who) is holding you back, taking our advice to heart will help you get honest, stay strong, and still get in on the fun.

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Your Quality Time Always Involves Food

When your go-to group of friends always wants to try out a new restaurant or order over-the-top dishes, it's tough to dismiss fun invitations in favour of staying home to eat clean.  And even with the best intentions to stay strong at the table, once those breadsticks or fried appetisers are passed around, it's so hard to say no.

How to handle:  Instead of heading out for a big meal, suggest that everyone gets together potluck style at a friend's place.  Not only will you all be saving money, but you can also be sure the dish you bring satisfies your dietary needs.  If it's a special occasion and going out is the only option, look up the menu ahead of time, and decide what you're going to order before you step through the door.  Also be sure to enjoy a small snack before the meal, so you don't arrive to the table ravenous and ready to chow down on whatever comes out first.

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Working Out Is Not on the Table

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Getting active with friends is an amazing way to inspire each other, have fun, and connect ... as long as your friends understand the benefits of working out.  When loved ones say discouraging things like "What's the point?" or "I hate the gym," it can be tempting to switch up the healthy plans you've set in place.

How to handle:  So, you won't necessarily be able to convert everyone into a gym rat, but an easy yoga class, a scenic hike, or a long walk full of window shopping might be more everyone's speed.  Continue to keep the option open — especially with those reliable friends you know would make great workout buddies.  Once your posse sees the benefits your body is reaping from your new schedule, they might change their tune.

 

Happy Hours Happen Nightly

Yes, you can still lose weight and enjoy (some) alcohol.  But constant happy-hour outings can load your body up on sugar and carbs, undoing all the hard work and willpower you've put into healthy choices all day!

How to handle:  A occasional happy hour is an indulgence you should enjoy, but if you find it hard impossible to sip on one or two cocktails (and pass up unhealthy appetisers on the menu), then steer clear unless it's a special occasion.  Consider getting together for coffee earlier in the afternoon with friends you want to connect with, and remember to keep your eye on the prize.

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They Don't Realize It Hurts

When the people you love and trust continue to put down your best efforts and say your lifestyle changes won't stick, it feels like a punch in the gut.  Even if they say they're kidding around, this kind of negative talk can have serious repercussions on your ability to stay on track and sustain a healthy lifestyle.

How to handle:  Be honest about the way you're feeling, and vocalise your worries to your inner circle.  Once they know you're serious, good friends will do whatever they can to support your cause.  If someone can't get a grip or says you're out of line, it might be time to give that relationship some space.

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When you're on the hunt for a favorite yoga class, you're sure to encounter more than a few instructors you might not vibe with.  You don't know how awesome your favorite teacher really is until you've taken class from someone a little more ... eccentric.  Yogis of all levels will get a kick out of all these kooky teacher personalities — and definitely say "I know that guy!" at least once.

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1. The Drill Sergeant

No sips of water allowed!  Your knee must be at a perfect 90-degree angle!  Once you're in this teacher's room, you're expected to stay, commit, and push yourself to the edge.

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2. The Extreme DJ

Hey, did I sign up for a yoga class or a concert?

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3. The Higher Than Thou

We get it.  You're in tune with your inner light and you've chanted in temples.  Don't make us feel like we're not worthy!

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4. The Too Touchy

Hopping into a huge cuddle puddle for the next 90 minutes might not be your idea of a good time.

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5. The Hands-Off Approach

Image Source:  Disney

On the opposite side of the spectrum, no adjustments from your teacher whatsoever can leave you wanting more connection ... and feeling concerned about the class's safety.

 

6. The Chakra Talker

Between all the Sanskrit chanting, gazing at your third eye, and engaging the invisible energy fields in your body, you wonder if this teacher thinks they're on another planet.

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7. The Won't Shut Up

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Without a moment to be quiet and introspective with your own thoughts, you wonder if this yoga teacher has been plagued with diarrhea of the mouth.

Finding it hard to motivate yourself for a Winter workout?  Let these adorable animals offer the help you need.  Whether you've fallen off your fitness wagon during the holidays or you're committing to your New Year's resolutions, let's all look to the animal kingdom for a little inspiration ...

 

Kitty-Cat Clam Series, Anyone?

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Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear Turn Around

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98, 99, 100!

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Bunnies Down Dog, Too

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Meowzercize

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Dumbo For the Assist!

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Couch to 5K, Yo

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DIY Treadmill

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Poodle BodyPump

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Cat Crunches

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My Mind's Not Into It

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Tetherball, Anyone?

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Bunny Acrobatics

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Dive Into a Water Workout

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It's Never Too Late to Start!

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Polly's Working Off That Cracker

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Even Cats Twerk

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Gotta Have a Running Buddy

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Hitting the Couch After a Grueling Workout

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Sometimes running on the treadmill is a necessity, and everyone has their own personal style!  If it's been awhile since your last treadmill run, here are some of the most common (and inventive) habits you can expect to see at the gym.  And if you happen to fall into one of the "quirk" categories, then take my advice to heart.

The TV Enthusiast

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Catching up on your favorite TV shows on the treadmill ensures you make it to the gym, but don't so caught up you forget to run.  Your multitasking habits should not come at the price of a quality workout.

 

The Music Buff

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We feel you on this one, Brad!  The right music can really make or break a workout.  Rock out to one of these running playlists at the gym to put a skip in your step and help you keep pace.

 

The Inspiration

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Forget the haters, and focus on your health.  There's nothing more inspiring than seeing someone who's committed to their goals look confident in a sea of rock-hard bods at the gym.  Even if you're feeling a bit insecure, fake it till you make it!

 

The Dancer

At some point, every gym rat has seen some cuckoo shaking their tail feathers with killer choreography.  This guy nailed it, but remember:  safety first!  There are too many treadmill fails that start off looking this way.  (And this way = incredible.)

 

The Snacker

Take your Goldfish elsewhere, pal.  A little water is essential to stay hydrated, but that's all the sustenance you need for your treadmill run.

 

The Overzealous

Source:  Pixar

Pushing yourself past your limits is necessary for growth, but don't go too quickly too soon.  Gym newbies should start slow with a walk-run treadmill plan and build up their stamina from there.

 

Or You Can Stay Outside ...

It's cold outside, but you can continue to run outdoors during Winter.  Just be sure to bundle up according to the temp out there.

It takes all of your effort to muster up the energy to slip on a sports bra and motivate yourself to work out at home.  But your furry little companion is completely against it.

Image Source:  Instagram user inkbloood