Getting motivated to exercise is most of the battle for some of us. Here are tips from personal trainers and other experts on how to get started and keep it up.

Got some great tips yourself? Please post them in the comments section!

“Grab a partner in crime. Instead of meeting a friend for caloric-laden meals or drinks, meet them for a new boxing or dance class. Having a commitment to a friend makes you less likely to bag the workout, knowing you’ll be letting that person down. Afterwards, you can go for a salad together to catch up and dish on the class.”
—Kaitlin Kay, C.S.C.S., A.C.E., trainer, Peak Performance, New York City

"Give yourself the 10-minute rule. Usually about 10 minutes into the routine, you don't mind it and figure, 'I've gone this far; may as well finish!'"
—Debi Silber, M.S., R.D., W.H.C., president, Lifestyle Fitness (coaching for moms)

"I like to set a goal and then develop a specific exercise routine to help reach that goal. ... For example, a year ago I decided to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise money for a few charities. ... I had specific short-term goals that I had to reach each quarter."
—Michael Wood, C.S.C.S., chief fitness officer, Koko Fitness (software/hardware developer)

"Fear is a powerful motivator. Imagine yourself being sick or infirmed by a weight-related illness. Consider what your arteries might look like if you are quite overweight."
—Jay Granat, Ph.D. founder, Stay in the Zone.com (for athletes)

"Reward yourself immediately after you are done. Behaviors followed by rewards are more likely to be repeated."
—Simon A. Rego, Psy.D., associate director of psychology training, Montefiore Medical Center , Bronx, N.Y.

Last updated and/or approved: May 2010. These tips originally appeared in various issues of the former print magazine. Bios are current as of the dates of the original issues. This article is not meant as individual advice. Please see our disclaimer.

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