1. Always exercise on Monday. Starting the week on the right foot makes it easier to stick to your plan.

2. Never skip exercising for two days in a row. You can skip a day, but the next day, you must exercise no matter how inconvenient. This rule dramatically increased the number of times I exercise over the course of a month.

3. Remember, exercise gives energy. If you feel too tired to exercise, remember that exercise boosts energy.

4. Any work-out counts. Give yourself credit for the least effort even if it’s a few minutes of walking.

5. Throw money at the problem. Spend more to go to a more convenient gym, or to get an iPod, or to work with a trainer. Exercise pays off big in your quality of life, so this is a place to splurge.

6. Don’t set the bar too high. Set targets that you can initially achieve.

7. Belonging to a gym doesn’t mean that you go to the gym. Having been in good shape in college doesn’t mean you’re in good shape today. Be honest about what your habits really are now.