Getting fit doesn’t happen without exercise, it’s a must. Most people workout to lose weight. A daily weigh in becomes part of a ritual, an addiction. Scales are also the number one factor for failure. Instead of weight loss, make the reward intrinsic. There are several phases to making and keeping an exercise program.

First phase is the Personal and Intrinsic Phase. Get an understanding of what exercise means to you on a personal level. Which exercise is not only preferred but feasible considering your work/family schedule. Next, make it an intrinsic value, perhaps work on reducing risk factors for certain diseases or maybe it can lead to a new wardrobe. While losing weight is a bonus, it isn’t an intrinsic factor.

The second phase, Recognition and Progress begins when you start to exercise. Grab a calendar and chart your progress. Nothing is more motivational than seeing a bunch of red X’s marking the days you’ve worked out. As you track your progress, give yourself rewards for each milestone. Add to your motivation by doing a 5K walk-for-charity benefit and train for it!

Mastery is the third phase. As you continue to exercise, you will become more fit and the exercise gets easier. As time passes, you will build confidence and will want to take on more challenges.

The last phase is the Blending Phase. As you get more comfortable and confident about your body and exercise, you'll gain a sense of continuity or blending of entire process. Things will begin to get easier and exercise will become more automatic. You are becoming that person whom effortlessly gets out of bed and gets into action. Hopefully you have mastered what it feels like when you DON’T exercise. Give yourself permission to miss a few workouts but never four days in a row. Three days must be your maximum length of time off, otherwise you’ll feel like you are starting at day one. Good Luck!