Don't Stop Believing

Don't Stop Believin'
By Denis Faye
Hold on to that sweaty feeling! We know it's hard! We know it's easier just to sit on the couch. And sometimes, we know you're just not getting the results as fast as you'd like. But things are happening, honestly! Muscles are toning, fat's melting. You just need to keep at it.
Here are five quick tips to help you do just that.

1. Enlist a buddy. Misery loves company, right? Grab your wife, husband, sister, brother, mailman, whoever—anyone who can join you on your quest to get fit. If there's no one in the immediate vicinity, log on to the Beachbody Message Boards. Tons of folks log on every day looking for a workout buddy. Once you find that pal, you can use tools like WOWY® to keep each other honest.
2. Pick the right program. Far too many people pick the program they think they need without accounting for their personal tastes. Into pumping iron? Then don't do Turbo Jam or Yoga Booty Ballet. Instead, hit it hard with Power 90® or P90X®! Have a look around, talk to a few people, and pick something that looks fun. That'll keep you motivated. Even if another program might fit your goals a little better, there's no point if you're not going to finish.
3. Baby steps. About three days into P90X, another 87 workouts seems like a lot. Try to get out of this mind-set. Think weekly. If you get to Sunday, to your rest day, you'll have accomplished a week of hard work. You can assess the next week later.
4. Along these same lines, consider a lesser goal. Fifty pounds in eight weeks is rather daunting. Start by losing ten pounds. Once you're there, reassess and set another small goal.
5. WOWY®. This is our free online gym (stands for "Work Out With You"). It's a feature that allows people to alert others as to what workout they're doing, when they're doing it, and how it's going. Even if you don't have a workout buddy (as suggested in the first tip), it's still a great way to be held accountable and be inspired by any others on the same quest for fitness as you.
6. Nude up. Okay, this one is a bit out there, but try to spend as much time with your clothes off as possible. If you still have a long way to go, it'll serve as a reminder of the things you're striving to change. If you're well on your way, it'll remind you of all you've accomplished, especially when you walk by a mirror and think, "Who's that hottie?" Sometimes a little narcissism is a good thing. That said, you might want to strap a few of your bits down when actually working out.

If you'd like to ask a question or comment on a newsletter article, just email us at mailbag@beachbody.com. Check Steve Edwards' Mailbag for his responses to reader comments.
For Steve's views on fitness, nutrition, and outdoor sports, read his blog, The Straight Dope.