So there you are, counting down the minutes before your scheduled workout. Trouble is, you can think of a hundred things you'd rather do instead -- including tweezing your eyebrows, calling your mother-in-law and picking lint off the rug. Reflect back on the days when you couldn't wait to work out and ask yourself, "Where did all the magic go?"

Not to worry. Lack of motivation happens sooner or later even to the most diehard exerciser. The trick is to rekindle the spark you once had when you first fell madly in love with the idea of being fit, lean and healthy. Here are some basic tips to help rediscover your romance with exercise.

Find a buddy

If you have been working out by yourself working out with someone can inspire you. A recent study by the National Strength and Conditioning Association found that working out with a partner yields better results than training alone. What if you've been working with the same person for a long time and still don't feel inspired? You may want to politely find a new training partner, train with a group or break sweat with a bunch of different people. (Alternating workout partners will also expose you to different training techniques and information.) But if you're not a social exerciser, don't worry; working out alone will still burn plenty of calories.

Location, location, location

Finding the right workout setting is crucial. Some love the noise, business and social interactions of a gym; others prefer a quiet and serene park. Still others prefer to be at home pedaling an exercise bike while they watch their favorite TV show. The point is you have many options. If where you work out is bringing you down, you may find that a change of scenery will make a world of difference. Environment isn't limited to your physical surroundings either. Changing what you listen to, or beginning to listen to music if you've never done so, can provide that missing motivational spark.