Spring into Shape

Just Show Up!

"I've lost 120 pounds in the last two years, but it's still hard for me to get myself on the treadmill or to go to the park to run. I give myself permission to walk or run only a mile, but once I start, I always go longer -- and I'm always so glad I did."
—Debbie C., Tennessee

Do it: Woody Allen once said, "Half of life is showing up." Motherboard Mom Debbie C. has figured out that getting herself on the treadmill or to the gym is half the battle. Once there, she's more likely to work out than waste her time, energy, and money by doing nothing. And once she does start exercising, it kicks up her endorphins as well as her competitive edge, paving the way to fabulous results.

Boost it: Arm yourself with an amped-up playlist. Songs with between 120 and 140 beats per minute, or BPM, can get you working harder and longer, while distracting you from any discomfort. Try Push It by Salt-N-Pepa, Drop It Like It's Hot by Snoop Dogg, the dance remix of Umbrella by Rihanna, or (flashback!) The Heat Is On by Glenn Frey. "Tell yourself, 'I'm going to do two songs,'" trainer Kaehler suggests. "With your favorite songs, you'll be doing two miles in no time."