Just about everybody knows the positive effects linked with exercise (decreased blood pressure, body fat and cholesterol, increased muscle mass and metabolism, and a longer lifespan), but most of us still don't exercise as much as we should. In speaking with people who have successfully integrated exercise into their lives for long periods of time, certain similarities are found.

An exercise program needs to be enjoyable, do whatever it is that will help you have a fun and enjoyable workout. This can be something simple like moving your treadmill from the garage to the living room so you can watch TV while running. Your exercise program also needs to be something that is set in your mind. When planning your day don't say to yourself 'maybe I can make it to the gym' instead say 'I'm going to go to the gym, where am I going to fit it into my schedule.' By repeatedly doing this you ultimately train yourself not to procrastinate, and exercise becomes a normal part of your daily schedule, not something that needs to be decided upon. Also you must make sure that you associate exercise with positive feelings, not how much you dread it or how it isn't something you want to do. Channel your negative feelings into what the consequences of not exercising are, and train yourself to associate exercise with looking and feeling your very best.

If you just can't get to your daily workout, avoid unconstructive guilt and do something else. Put on some music and clean the house or wash the car, getting exercise doesn't always mean going to the gym.