In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: You may want to get fit to look better in your clothes, to feel more confident, or to improve your health, but these reasons may not be specific enough to motivate you. Instead of focusing on general reasons, try to come up with something very specific and personal to motivate you to go to the gym.  For example, if you have a child, then your motivation might be something like, “I need to go to the gym regularly to be a good example to my son.” Or, you could go even further and say something like, “I want to walk my daughter down the aisle on her wedding day, so I am going to the gym today.” You can also base your motivation on an upcoming special event. For example, you might say something like, “I want to look amazing at my 10 year high school reunion, so I need to go to the gym today.” Having a realistic fitness goal can be a great way to stay motivated to go to the gym regularly. Try setting a SMART goal that you can accomplish by going to the gym. SMART stands for specific, measurable, achievable, results-focused, and time-based.  For example, your goal could be to reduce your 5k time by 2 minutes by the end of the next month. This is a specific goal that is measurable and achievable. It is also something that you will clearly know when you have accomplished it (results-focused) and it has a deadline, so it is also time-based. You could work toward this goal by running a 5k course on the treadmill at your gym 3 times per week. Working out will always seem like an unpleasant chore if you force yourself to do activities that you do not enjoy. Instead, find an activity that you enjoy doing to help make visiting the gym something you look forward to.  Try different classes at your gym, such as spinning, step aerobics, kickboxing, and high intensity interval training (HIIT). If you don’t like one class, then take a different one. Showing up a little early for class can help you make friends and feel more invested in your workouts. Use different machines, such as the treadmill, step machine, stationary bike, and elliptical walker. If your gym has a circuit training station, try it out to see if you like it. Taking some time to chat with the trainers and regulars at your gym is a good way to make going to the gym a more pleasant experience. It will also help to keep you accountable because if you stop showing up, people will notice.  Try saying "hi" to the trainers and regulars you encounter each time you visit the gym. After a few visits, you might want to introduce yourself to the trainers and regulars.  For example, if you encounter a regular or trainer on your way into the gym, say something like, “Hi! My name is Chris. I don’t really feel like being here today, but I am here! How are you doing today?” You may also consider getting an accountability buddy. This can be someone you meet at the gym or a friend who also needs help sticking to their gym visits. Send each other texts throughout the week each time you go to the gym, or plan to meet the person at the gym a few times each week.
Summary: Think about your biggest motivation to go to the gym. Set goals for yourself. Participate in exercise routines and classes that you enjoy. Get to know the trainers and regulars at your gym.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Dogs are social creatures, and you’re the center of their universe. They don’t like to be left alone all day. If you’re going to have one as a pet, be sure that you plan on being around more often than not. It’s not fair to your dog to leave them unattended for long periods and may lead to behavioral issues like aggression and anxiety. Many pet owners who work during the day get a companion pet for their dogs so that they can keep each other company. You should also consider having a friend or family member visit your pooch, taking them to doggy daycare, or hiring a dog-walker to get your pet out of the house. . Your dog needs daily exercise for the sake of their health and well-being. Play with them, and take them for at least one, but preferably two, walks a day to ensure they’re getting enough physical and mental stimulation.  Without proper exercise, your dog will become bored and many behavior problems may arise (like chewing, excessive barking, jumping, and hyperactivity).  Play with your dog. Canines have instincts to chew, fetch, chase, hunt, spar, dig, and herd. Help them exercise these instincts in constructive ways through supervised play. For instance, if your dog loves to hunt things, get them a toy that they can safely chase after, like a wooly chew toy at the end of a long rope. That way, your dog can act on their instinct while keeping them away from real animals and at a safe distance from you. Besides working their bodies, you should work your dog’s mind. This means giving them specific tasks (like fetching or finding something) and rewarding them for completing them (with praise and/or treats). Most breeds love to have jobs. Giving them work to do will make them more alert and boost their sense of well-being. . Besides brushing them regularly, you’ll need to occasionally bathe your dog, keep their toe nails clipped, and see that their coat is neatly trimmed. You can consult with an expert to learn how to do these tricky processes yourself or go to a professional groomer to get the job done.  Comb your dog’s coat at least once a week (or more for long-haired dogs) to control shedding and keep their fur from getting tangled and matted. Brushing can also help clean your dog’s skin and distribute its natural oils. Be sure to use a brush that’s appropriate for your dog’s size and hair length.  Only bathe your dog when it’s absolutely necessary. Frequent washing can dry out the natural oils in their skins, leaving your pet with constant itches and rashes. When you do, use a mild dog shampoo and warm water. Since dogs have sensitive ears, only wash them from the neck down. Keep your dog’s nails short to keep them comfortable and avoid them scratching up your house. Be sure to consult with a groomer or vet about how to clip your dog’s nails before you do it yourself. It’s a tricky process that can easily harm your pet if you do it wrong, so learn the right method from an expert or leave it to a trained professional.  Some canines are more high-maintenance than others. If you have a breed that requires grooming, like a Poodle or Pekingese, make sure you have a regular appointment set up with a professional groomer.
Summary:
Be a devoted, consistent friend. Exercise your dog Give your dog mental exercise. Groom your dog