First you need a plan: the gym

As much as I try not to make my life revolve around going to the gym, I will admit that it's inevitable. For variety of equipment you pretty much can't beat a well stocked gym or workout room (I'm assuming here that most of you are like me and don't have the money to put a gym in your home). Therefore, I try to set a framework concerning working out and going to the gym in particular.

1. Make your expectations reasonable but challenging

If you set a goal of going to the gym five days a week knowing that you'll quit after week two, don't set that goal. You're just setting yourself up for failure, which won't help you get in shape or feel better. That being said, you probably need to work out more than once a week. I recommend three times a week. It's few enough times that it can get shifted around, but enough that you can achieve some reasonable results.

2. Don't get stuck in a routine.

Routines are the quickest way to fitness death. After a period of time your body will adjust to the routine and you won't be challenged anymore. Not to mention you'll get bored. The solution? Vary everything you can. Change the days of the week that you go, the types of workouts that you do, the muscles you target, everything. This not only will continue to challenge your body and keep you interested, but for me fosters a sense of creativity which makes me more willing to try new things.

3. Pick a class.

Fitness classes may seem like the domain of Richard Simmons and the collective 1980s but they can also be a workout gold mine. Think of it this way: each class or group meets at a set time, so you have to go. Also, having a group of people you can count on seeing will foster a sense of community, which well help you look forward to going. Granted, if no classes are at a time that works for you, this option isn't that helpful. While this may break the above routine rule, it's also a consistent workout. Plus the instructors generally know how to keep you challenged week to week.

I'll try to keep the posts short and to the point. I hope this was a helpful start. Good luck.