The simple act of acknowledging your appreciation can do wonders for your fitness.

Appreciation and fitness might not seem like they have a lot to do with each other - but there is a connection.

Appreciation and fitness have more to do with each other than you might first think.

I can promise you that by taking a moment to express your appreciation, your fitness goals will be a lot more likely to happen! The reason is that when we have gratitude, we automatically increase our motivation and our efficiency in working toward our goals.

As Thanksgiving approaches, it's a good time to remember that we don't want let feeling thankful last just one day!

It's easy to fall into the trap of feeling like we "have" to worry about what we eat and "have" to force ourselves to work out. Around this time of year, let's try to take a moment and appreciate the fact that our lives are such that we have the luxury of "having" to make choices like this.

I'll give it a shot.

• I'm thankful that I have a body healthy enough to work out.
• I'm thankful that I always have enough to eat.
• I'm thankful that I can go to the doctor if I'm sick.
• I'm thankful that I have a comfortable bed to sleep in.
• I'm thankful that I have the freedom to choose what I want to do with my spare time.
• I'm thankful that I live in a country where I have access to health care.
• I'm thankful that I have access to plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• I'm thankful that I can afford vitamins.
• I'm thankful that I have access to exercise equipment.
• I'm thankful that I have the support of friends and family as I work to pursue my goals.

Next time you resent having to drink your water, think of the people who have to walk miles just to obtain clean water.

Next time you don't want to eat those vegetables, think of the people who would give anything to be able to eat any food at all.

Next time you don't want to work out, think of the people who are too sick to exercise.

This isn't supposed to make you feel guilty - just try and use the exercise to gain a little perspective.

You cannot feel both appreciation and negative emotions at the same time. If you can find it in your heart to appreciate, you will find so much more joy in doing what "has" to be done. And you don't have to look too far to find it, if you are well off enough to be receiving this email today.

'Tis the season.

-Gina