STICK-WITH-EXERCISE TIPS

How many times have you energetically thrown yourself into a new exercise program, only to give up (or just plain forget about doing it) after a few weeks or a few days? Do you take an all-or-nothing approach to exercise - like, if you don't run five miles at a time you're a big loser - then end up giving up in frustration? Working up to new fitness levels takes time and patience - give up early, and you'll never get in shape. Myjellybean.com offers 12 tips for staying motivated to exercise, so you keep it up long enough to show off the results!

Switch Things Up

Keep from getting bored by doing different activities from day to day. You wouldn't listen to only one song on your iPod - and your body craves variety just like your ears do. One day, you might take a walk - the next, a bike ride or a swim. Be creative about what you do to keep your body moving.

Make It Easy On Yourself

Do things that you like - if you hate running, why force yourself? Maybe you're an aerobics person! Do this and you'll be less tempted to skip exercise. Don't give up and say you hate all exercise - from walking your dog, to throwing a frisbee around, to mountain biking, to rock climbing, there's bound to be some exercise you enjoy. It might just take some trying.

Warm Up First

Stretch before doing any kind of aerobic exercise. Stretching warms up your muscles, so they work better during exercise and are less prone to injury. That's important, because if you always feel achey and painey after a workout, you'll less likely to look forward to the next one.

Be Realistic

Overdoing exercise will just make you want to quit. Start out small and gradually build up your exercise routine. Maybe you will run five miles some day, but for right now walking one mile (about 20 minutes) is plenty - and something to be proud of, if you never did that before!

Use The Buddy System

Exercise with a friend. You'll have more fun and keep each other motivated. You're less likely to cancel on someone else than you are on yourself, too.

Make It A Routine

Make exercise a regular part of your schedule. Plan out your exercise schedule for the week ahead of time and stick to it, even if that means writing it in your daytimer or on the family fridge calendar. Act like it's an important appointment, and don't skip it.

Don't Cram

Do you laze around on your butt all week, figuring that you'll do something active on the weekend? Not only is this unlikely, but working out only on weekends is not enough to get and keep you fit. Try to schedule your exercise so you get some (even 10 minutes worth) every day, or every other day.

Take The "Snack" Approach

Don't be afraid to break your exercise time into shorter chunks. Two 10 minute walks a day are just as good for you (and burn just as many calories) as a 20 minute jaunt.

Don't Give Up Easy

When you do miss a day (or a scheduled session) of exercise, don't give up on the entire program because you've "blown it." And don't try to make up for it by working out harder the next day! Just get back into your routine the next day.

Get In Gear

Get the right equipment. You want running shoes that absorb shock, a bike that's appropriate for your height, and workout clothes that are loose and comfortable. If fashion is important to you, get cute gear that you'll want to show off. (Hey, anything's good that makes you want to work out).

Don't Get Scale-Obsessed

If you are exercising to lose fat and pounds, don't weigh yourself more than once a week. Daily weight fluctuations (even up to a few pounds) are natural and don't give an accurate picture of ongoing loss or gain. You might want to ditch the scale altogether and measure yourself once a week instead, for a clearer - and more positive - picture of how you're doing. Inches tend to come off faster than pounds because your body is building muscle, which is leaner but heavier than fat.

Consider Joining Others

An aerobics class might be the answer if you just can't get started. Teachers are usually enthusiastic, encouraging and eager to motivate. Other options include workout videos and, for those with bigger budgets, health clubs and personal trainers.