How to Make Exercise a Habit

"There are so many fads that come and go," says Joanie Greggains, TV and KGO Radio fitness expert and author of "Fit Happens." "The lasting way to make exercise a habit is to choose a sport or activity that you like and that fits your lifestyle. If you're having fun you'll keep at it."

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Exercise Mats
• Running Shoes
• "Tae-Bo Workout" video
• Food/exercise Journals
• Fitness Magazines
• Health Club Memberships

1. Pick an exercise you enjoy so that you look forward to it every day, rather than dreading it.
2. Give yourself a reward for completing your exercise. It could be time off, a TV show, a favorite food or a weekly shopping spree.
3. Sign a contract with yourself that commits you to the exercise.
4. Center your workouts around an event, such as training for the Bay to Breakers in San Francisco.
5. Exercise with a partner. It could be a friend, or it could be your dog who deserves a good run.
6. Be creative and mix up your sports to avoid boredom.
7. Listen to music if you're exercising indoors.

Tips & Warnings

• "I once had a lady call into my radio program who started running because her veterinarian said her dog needed to lose weight. That was enough to get her out of the house and exercising," Greggains says.
• You don't have to be "working out" to burn calories. Walk to work, bike to lunch, park in the back of the parking lot, and always take the stairs.