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We all know that the best way to get fit, the only way, when you boil it right down, is to use up more calories than you take in. The arithmetic is simple enough, but why is it so hard?

Well, we like to eat, and the foods we find most appetizing generally contain fats and salt and sugar. Exercising makes us feel good, but only after we overcome the inertia of sitting on our couches and either getting to the gym or on the treadmill. We know we'll lose weight, look better and get healthier, but results can take weeks and months to become noticeable. There is another way, though.

Yes, we do need to diet and exercise, but the key to getting where you want to be is finding a compelling reason for getting fit. We all know people who have a class reunion or wedding coming up, so they watch their diet, work out, and look fabulous. Unfortunately, after the event, they go back to their old, poor habits. It doesn't have to be this way, though. Take that gotta-get-into-the-outfit energy and make it work for you over the long haul.

Ask yourself, if you were in great shape, what would you do that you're not able to do now? Hike the Blue Ridge Mountains? Go surfing? Play with your grand kids? Find the thing you love and start doing it now. Can you go on a short walk in a local park? Get in the water with a body board? If you can get started, even in a limited way, doing what you love, you will start to see results that much faster. You will be more motivated, because your goal won't be a "someday" thing. You will also see the tiny improvements that happen on a daily basis and get a better idea of what you need to do to improve and reach your destination.

I had gym memberships I never used. I was unhappy with how I looked and felt and I wanted to change, but I didn't know how. I thought that if I joined a team sport, I'd have to show up to practices and games, I would at least get some fitness out of it. I didn't want to play softball and I wasn't up to the running in soccer. I found a women's rugby team near my home. I knew nothing about the game, but I went to a practice. I found out I could could be an effective forward (a position that calls for size and strength, but not a lot of speed) and contribute to the team immediately. As I got more experience, I found that I wanted to get better and better. I had more energy and made time to run and work out. I have a way to go to reach my weight goals, but on the way, I picked up an award for most improved player.

It's a pretty decent incentive for this former Lazy Girl.

Learn more about this author, Nunzia Falcone.
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