Make It a Lifestyle

Appetizer

While the health benefits associated with working out begin almost immediately, it usually takes a good 12 to 16 weeks to make significant changes to your physical appearance. So, if you have something big planned for the summer...getting married, taking a cruise, high school reunion...NOW is the time to start getting ready.

Main Course

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends engaging in cardiovascular exercise for 20 to 60 minutes three to five times a week. If you take that advice, which is a smart thing to do, you will soon find that working out takes more than just a notion.

If you want to be successful, you should establish healthy living habits and make working out a lifestyle - not just a temporary line item on your tattered "To Do" list. I know, I know...Easier said than done, right?

Don't talk yourself out of this new LIFESTYLE until you put some real effort behind it. First step -- Make a workout appointment with yourself. Yeah, I know it sounds corny, but it works. Why should other people and tasks be allowed priority seating in your Blackberry? Without your health, you won't be much good to them anyway.

Decide when you are most likely to enjoy working out ("Enjoy" may be a bit strong, but work with me here) and mark the days and times in your calendar in advance. Then commit to keeping these appointments as though your life depends on them. Sooner or later...trust me on this...these workout appointments will become 2nd nature, and you will find yourself missing those that must be missed.

Dessert

When I first starting getting serious about working out, I hired a trainer that was only available at 4:30am. I'm not going to lie and say that it wasn't brutal because it certainly was. However, after about a month, I started to REALLY look forward to my mornings with her because afterwards I felt stronger and more athletic than ever before.

Warning: When planning to engage in pre-dawn workout sessions, pre-paying is an absolute MUST! Otherwise, your snooze button will have a permanent imprint of your hand on it.