I walk a lot and do Pilates twice a week at lunch hour.

I mix it up according to the season and my mood, and I try to have at least one new exercise that I haven't mastered yet so it keeps me challenged and motivated.

This summer I did a lot of swimming in our outdoor town pool, especially early on. Now that that is closed for the season, I bought a pass for the indoor one and I'm going to try to go at least once a week to do laps. (I love laps, and I love how long and lean it makes my torso and arms.)

I will definitely be getting a kayak this Christmas, so that will be a frequent workout for me when it's warm again next year. I LOVED renting one this summer!

It's time to drag out the Wii Fit now that it's getting cooler, which means yoga and strength exercises. My sister recommended getting the Wii Fitness Coach, which customizes workouts for you, but I haven't picked that up yet. Probably in the next few weeks...

I am just wrapping up the C25K running plan, and will continue running 30 minutes 2-3 times a week. I am doing my first 5K on Sunday, woohoo!

I found that I was more inclined to do exercise often if I did things that I enjoyed doing, not quite sports but games/activities I liked to when I was a kid.

Mostly lots of walking. I use public transport to get to and from work, and no matter which way I go I end up walking at least 30 minutes every day. I try and change the route - so at the moment I walk through a park which is lovely at the moment.

I also end up climbing a lot of stairs at work as we are without a lift!

We have a swimming pool and gym on site in our apartment complex and I need to start taking advantage of them more!

I got a pedometer and that made all the difference in the world. Suddenly now that my steps were "going on record" I would strive to get in as many as possible. I park far away at the mall or grocery store to get extra steps in. I get off the subway at least one stop early and walk the rest of the way. I take the stairs. I vowed to walk to the market every day to pick things up for dinner rather than go once a week.

Additionally I play tennis 3-4 times a week by myself at a nearby empty wall in a park. I lift weights 2-3 times a week for muscle strength. Hubby and I take a walk every night after dinner.

I recently started a Couch to 5K program that teaches you how to gradually become a runner. So far I'm loving it but I waited until I lost at least 30lbs before I tried it (didn't want to hurt my weak and injured knees). It's great motivation and I hope to participate in a 5K race in the next year.

If you have exercise tv on demand give it a go, they have TONS of stuff you'd might like from walking programs, aerobics, dance, pilates, yoga, even kids exercise. I found on it a particular program called Tonique Fitness (available on DVD too) that is AMAZING for legs and tush, it's just a whole bunch of lunges and squats, ouch!

Good luck on your fitness journey! 6 months ago I was a tired overweight mess lying around on the couch too lethargic to live my life. Now I'm 36lbs lighter, full of energy, and doing activities that I never thought were possible like hiking, running, and dancing! Just remember that it doesn't take motivation - motivation is fickle as it comes and goes and never seems to be around when the weather is cold and I don't want to get out of bed early to exercise. The only thing exercise requires is committment.

I walk twice aweek, exercise. in between the weeks 30 mins or so and have a exercise. bike . whatever your moods is . i like to try out new things i've done a pilates,very hard to do..lol. just put ur mind into it.

I work with a personal trainer 3 times a week. One day I jog for 30 minutes, two days I do yoga (nothing crazy, easy yoga) and 1-2 days I do a long mountain bike or road ride.

Do you have a YMCA near you? The Y near me is very affordable to join, has the most amazing facilities and offers over 80 fitness classes a week. I think group fitness classes are super motivating and fun.

I also really enjoyed The Firm exercise videos. They are tough, but you will get very strong!

Good luck on your fitness journey... we have several very knowledgeable and helpful fitness girls on the forum (Shiny springs to mind) and they are a great resource!

I run 3-4 times a week in the mornings. I love running because you can do it anywhere, and except for a good pair of shoes, you don't need any special equipment. It can be hard on many people's knees though. I'm lucky in that I've never had any problems in that area, but I know many people for whom running isn't an option.

I also lift weights on my alternate days. I'm surprised no one has mentioned weights yet- they're one of the best things you can do for your body, I think. Strength training increases bone density (and so protects against osteoporosis), boosts your metabolism and has cardiovascular benefits, too.

If I'm bored with running, or if it's raining and I'm being a wuss, I'll pop in an Ashtanga yoga DVD and do that. I like it but find it difficult to get into- I'd like to take a class one day to see if that makes it "stick" more.

I don't really mix up my exercise that much, plain and simple works for me. Just putting new music on my ipod is enough to make my normal runs more interesting, and besides, I like to clear my head when I'm exercising. I get some of my best ideas that way!

Other than walking all over our city to get places, at present I just run. Running is my favorite activity of all, and I have been an on and off again runner for two decades. My current goal is to run at least 3x's per week, 30 minutes at a time, for an entire year. At which time, if I haven't injured myself again, I will add distance to that. I prefer running distances rather than running fast. But I have a long history of back problems, hence why my goals are so conservative: I am apt to get overeager and do too much too soon, and wind up on the sidelines. It's working so far, as I've been running now since June without an injury. Woo-hoo!

It's really easy to fit running into my schedule, because there's no need to get to a gym. I just pop my sneaks on and head out my door. Of course, I work from home, so that makes it even easier. But when I worked in an office, I'd either get up early and run before work, or I'd bring my sneaks to the office and run over my lunch break (we have showers and lockers), or run immediately after work and before dinner.

When I had preschool kids, I did belong to a gym which had a babysitting service. Would take the girls there weekday mornings. Go for a run, lift weights, shower. Worked out well.

How to keep it interesting: run different paces, different distances, different routes. Run with partners (if you like that - I'm more of a loner). Run with your ipod. Run on the beach. Run during vacations. Sign up for a race or running club. Map and measure your progress. Take up a program like C2K or others - there are tons.

Other fitness activities I have done over the years:

1) Firm videos NYC mentions... they are killer! And they are my most favorite videos to do. I find I habituate too quickly to most exercise videos, but the firm keeps you challenged, and you don't need a whole lot of space either, which is a plus.

2) Lift free weights - whether at home or at a gym

3) Self fitness challenge - check it out online.

4) Step Aerobics - I joined a class when this first came out, years ago. Fell in love with it. I have my own step bench, and if the weather is too sucky to run, I pull out the bench, pop on my ipod, and step. I just make up my step movements as I go along - once you know the basic steps, it's easy to go "free-form." It's very effective, feels like dancing to me, and does wonderful things for your thighs and butt. :-)

5) Go out dancing with my sweetie! At one of those "oldies" clubs that plays tunes from the 80s. :-)

6) Yoga

I learned through trial-and-error that I really don't care for anything involving water (swimming), classes, a bike, or a machine (like treadmills and stairmasters). But YMMV. Just find something you love!

I was using my elliptical trainer in the mornings until I wore out the belt. Now, I am going to the gym to use their equiptment for cardio. So far, I have only used their treadmills, but they have bikes, ellipticals, stairsteppers, and of course weights. I used do a class with handweights, yoga twice a week, Zumba and Spinning, as well, but that hasn't worked into my schedule much lately. I love the classes at my gym, and wish I cold get to more of them.

I think I don't care for the machines because they are built for tall people. Or, taller than me people. Which is just about everyone. ;-)

I started working out two years ago in an effort to lose weight, and I recently discovered that I'm addicted to working out. If I take a day off, I miss it and some times I feel that going for a run is the best therapy available.
My goal the first year was to run a 5K - Check. My goal last year was to run a 10K - Check. This year I'm training for a Half marathon. Running races keeps me accountable with my running workouts (I do three a week). I love how weight training is toning my body and leaning out my muscles. So nothing can keep me from that three times a week.
On my "rest" day, I try to stay active by either kayaking or cycling with my husband, or doing Pilates indoors if the weather is unpleasant.
In a perfect world, I could join a Crossfit gym. Hopefully we will be able to soon. http://www.crossfit.com

I walk as often as I can and make a point to go up and down the stairs in my house a lot! This is pretty effective for me on a daily basis and fits well with having a toddler at home.

I also have a karate membership and go at least twice a week. They offer noon and evening classes, so I can go at a time that suits my schedule. I love having a regular fitness activity and being a part of a class that is dedicated to learning and progression is a big part of me sticking to it. So challenging!

Prior to pregnancy, I was doing a variety of aerobics classes 4-5 times per week. However, my lower energy levels have caused me to scale back. I now take an Aerobics/Pump class two times per week (it is a class that alternates between cardio segements and weight lifting ones) and the other days I either take long walks or do 20 minutes on the elliptical trainer.

I run and lift weights. I used to run almost exclusively and focused on training for long distance races. Then I started weight training to get ready for my wedding three years ago. Now I'm hooked. My workout focus now is training for powerlifting. So I generally run 3 days a week and lift between 2 and 3 days a week. When I get close to a powerlifting competition, I will up my lifting schedule to 3 days a week consistently.

One of my motivators for lifting is that my body responds so well to it. I am still curvy but I'm lean. It's the first time in my adult life that I've had arm definition. I also find that focusing on a goal helps me. Right now it's competition. Other times it's losing weight. I also find having a training buddy (or 3) helps keep me on track because they are expecting me.

My gym is kind of unconventional. One of the things that they stress is FUN. And boy do we have it. Last night, we were doing a combo and all the while people were telling jokes. Ok, at least they did until the last round. By then we were all just concentrating on good form and continuing to stand upright. Anyway, finding a place where community exists makes a big difference for me.

A change of routine can really make it hard to keep up exercise can't it? I have struggled with exercise this year though I started well with lots of swimming, training for an ocean swim. Then I hit a slump because I find it really hard to get up when it is dark outside and early morning is the only time I can exercise regularly. (yes, I do find the fitting it into your routine bit the hardest)

Now it is getting lighter in Aus, I am jog/walking 3 times a week ( I love it but can't do it frequently than this). Am also a member of a gym where I do weights but have been neglecting that. Have a Pilates DVD waiting for me at the library after a rec here on YLF. I plan to start up swimming training again in a month or so. When it stops raining so much I'd like to walk or ride to my daughters school more often.

Like some others, I like to have a goal of a race to train for and find this a good motivation.

I run & do weight training.

Running consists of a flat run (30 min right now), hill run (25 min right now), and a long run (38 min right now). I run with a friend most days & we worked out a personal training plan for 12 weeks. Then, will make new goals.

Weight training consists of 1x per week with personal trainer (core med ball exercises, lunges, weight training, etc.). Then, 1x per week solo weight training at home.

I prefer to workout with someone as it's more fun & the time passes faster plus I get an added bonus of some dedicated social time. However, it's very important to me to workout on my own from time to time so that regardless of something happening with a partner it is something that I continue!

And, yes - it's an addiction! :)

I have my little routine that I've been sticking to for the past 5 month (after 5 years of not really doing a whole lot but lifting a spoon). It's not very exciting but it works for me.
I go to the gym 5 days a week and do cardio on the elliptical for 35 to 50 minutes (depending on how I feel). I also do weight training with my husband twice a week. We do the 300 routine which was used by Gerard Butler when he was training for that movie about Spartans, hence the name. It's amazing how it effective it is. I also sneak in a ballet class when I can, that is more for the soul, not for the body.

I actually seriously dislike the typical exercise types ( running, gym), so I do some yoga (twice a week), a lot of walking and even more ballroom dancing.

I want to take dance lessons SO BAD. Fortunately, my husband does, too. I think dancers have the most amazing bodies.

I do not “work out” in the conventional sense. I walk our dogs daily for 20 to 40 minutes up and down our hills, and I shop! I get plenty of activity because I walk at the speed of light :0)

I try to make it to the gym about 5 times a week for some cardio (treadmill, elliptical, bike) and weights. But my real love is dance....I've been belly dancing for almost a year now and it is simply amazing how strong it makes your core muscles! all the isolations and repetitions seriously cause some muscle burn, and i love that i can hang out with a group of warm, fun women twice a week after working with men all day, every day.... =)
i've also been interested in trying out "the bar method" classes....but haven't signed up yet..

Typically, I hit the gym (local YMCA) about 3-4 times a week and either take classes (sculpting + cardio, pilates, yoga, weight training). On the pilates & yoga days, I also hit the elliptical for about 30-45 minutes in advance. I try to do strength training/weights twice a week and pilates/yoga twice a week. Of course, I haven't much of anything for about month at this point - first vacation and then getting over the flu. I'll hopefully get back to the gym next week. They have a free babysitting service which is ideal for me right now.

Sarah - I'm glad to see that you mentioned crossfit! That's what I do, and it's the best and most effective exercise I've ever done. We joke that it's an exercise cult - there really are some cult-like things about it. I've been nervous about mentioning it here because of that.

But I love that I can exercise for < 1 hour a day and get in the best shape of my life. I also love that I can squat more than I weigh and do > 20 pullups ina row.

http://crossfit.com/

I used to go to classes at a nearby gym. I loved the variety of the classes, so that I could choose different types and different times, depending on my weekly schedule (boxing classes were my favourite!), and it was great that it was so close!

I've moved now though, and the downside of going to gym classes (the extra time going there, and back home; matching the time for classes; not always having that time...) made me start running instead. It's cheaper and easier! Luckily I have two big parks close by, so it's dead easy to get out there, plus I can get some variation. And I've filled my iPod with great music - a must!

Unfortunately I don't find it as fun as going to gym classes... I'm hoping that by doing it regularly for some time, my body will develop a "need" for it, plus that in a while I should be able to vary the jog a bit - going up and down hills, doing speed intervals, etc.

I've had some weeks off now, so I've been able to do it 3-4 times/week. I'm planning to keep this up even now when school starts! The good thing is that I can do it whenever I want to, I'll just need to prioritize the time to do it.

I hope you'll find something that works for you! And I guess one good thing to think about is to not set too high goals too soon. Whatever new thing one starts doing, it's quite good to take small steps in the beginning!

Oh, I also started dancing Lindy Hop! Though that's pretty much only for the fun of it! But of course, it's no downside that it's good exercise as well..! And, when it's something that's mostly for the fun, I find it easier to actually manage to make the time to go there.

Medusa and Sarah, What type of base fitness level do you require to join a cross-fit gym?

I currently do yoga and weight-training.

I struggle with cardio activities. I found running tough to stick with and cannot swim. I started biking this summer and really enjoyed it but want to find another activity for fall and winter.

I love working out! I love the feeling I get from it, so it is something I enjoy doing daily...my only problem is that I get bored easily. I love spinning, weight training, running on the treadmill, riding my bike, running outside on a beautiful day, kick boxing, pilates, yoga and hiking....you name it, I will try it to mix things up, as long as it gets me sweating! I am a student though, so I take advantage of our gym's group fitness classes. I usually go to the gym after I'm done with classes to de-stress. It is the only thing that calms me down and clears my head.

It also helps that my husband is really into working out too, so when I'm not in the mood he pushes me. So, my best advice besides trying different classes is to find a workout partner that is committed and will push your envelope. Good luck!

I'm a runner (and it's nice to see so many other runners on the board). I completed Couch to 5K over two years ago and am currently running 4 days a week and average 15-20 miles over the week. Last spring I finished my first half-marathon and will probably do it again next year.

I also take a spin class and a hip-hop dance class once a week at the YMCA. My goal is to venture out into true road bicycling this fall.

Running constitutes the bulk of my workouts. I try to mix up shorter bouts of interval running with some other forms of cardio once in a while and try to put in atleast 2 days of full body strength training. I feel like superwoman the days I work out with weights.

Elpgal, anyone can do it. There's a whole system of how to adjust the workouts to make them accessible to all levels. At least that's how it's supposed to work - in my experience, some crossfit gyms can be a bit snobby (just like some regular gyms can be snobby), so you have to watch out for that.