Better Body Boot Camp: Rev Up Your Workout

Excuse-Proof Your Workout

Here, our panel's top stick-with-it tricks:

• Make a list of how being fit positively affects your life and read it before bed.
• Set your cell phone or PDA with an alarm to send you motivating messages ("Endorphins on the way!") or a favorite song when it's time to get to the gym.
• Tape a calendar to your mirror or fridge and check off each day you work out. Aim for at least three checks a week.

Heed the 10-Minute Rule
Forget the all-or-nothing attitude toward exercise and you may never miss a session. "When you're not in the mood to work out, tell yourself that you'll do just 10 minutes," says Jay Kerwin. "Once you get going, you'll remember why you're there and probably stick it out for a full routine."

Originally published in FITNESS magazine, October 2008.