Fitness & Exercise

How to Revitalize Your Workout

"I'm Just Lazy" —Christine, 31, private chef

Before: 2 to 3 workouts per week with a trainer
"I am naturally lazy, so exercise is a chore to me. In the past, I've gotten good results with a trainer, but I would like to learn to work out solo."

Her "Aha" Moments
More than my body benefits. "I took a yoga class and loved what it did for my body and my mind. I realized that the mental benefits of working out are almost as important to me as the physical ones: I really enjoyed being able to spend some time with my thoughts. I liked it so much that I booked a yoga retreat vacation for myself."

There's nothing like a written plan (except, maybe, a personal trainer). "Usually, I am too lazy to complete the given number of repetitions for an exercise: If I'm supposed to do 10 crunches, I will only do eight for no other reason than that there is no one to tell me to do 10. I don't know what to do on my own, so having a program written out for me was really helpful. I actually took my printed routine to the gym and followed it exactly — no shortcuts! I was really proud of myself, and I feel like I might be able to do this on my own after all. Of course, there are still obstacles: One night I went to a party and could not commit to a workout the next morning. But other times I just pushed myself to go. How do I feel? Better for at least trying."

Friends get me going...in the wrong direction. "If I'd been with a friend at the gym, I think that I wouldn't have been as serious about it; I might have cut the session short. But now, I bring my list of exercises with me and do what I'm supposed to do — that's not my typical self!"

After: 2 to 3 workouts a week on her own
"Having started to work out, it's easy for me to see how people can get addicted to it. It gives you a slight buzz and clears your mind and makes you feel really good. It's almost like a new drug."

Trainer Johanna's Tips: Overcome Laziness
Keep your resistance-training workout uncomplicated and you'll be more likely to do it. Christine did eight to 10 basic, easy-to-remember moves twice a week using free weights. Her moves hit each body part at least once, and included leg raises, squats, dumbbell chest presses, shoulder presses, and planks.

Group fitness classes are a great way to find a new workout to love.

"Workouts Don't Work for Me" —Jennifer, 27, corporate training coordinator

Before: 0 times per week
"I did a 'buff brides' program and nothing happened, so I gave up on working out entirely. But I really want to be in better shape for my wedding in September."