Have you recently noticed a bit of extra weight around your tummy, or felt out of breath after taking the stairs? Can you recall a time not so long ago when you felt and looked in great shape, and now wonder what went wrong? The chances are that you stopped or severely reduced your exercise program, almost without noticing.

There can be a multitude of reasons as to why you fell out of the habit of your health and fitness routine, some of which may be beyond your control, such as recovering from an illness or operation. To get back on track can be a big challenge but it can be eased if you can find ways to build that strong desire to start exercising.

There are many ways to give yourself that psychological kick in the butt that will help you stop procrastinating and get into a fitness program. Such a program can be either aerobics exercise or strength training, or a combination of both. Here are some ideas on how to start exercising.

1. Get rid of your 'fat' clothes. It is likely that during your time of not exercising, you have worn clothing that conceals those extra pounds. This approach is a variation on the theme of out of sight, out of mind. Let someone else now have those clothes that are a size or two above your preference and focus on getting into the clothes you would like to wear.

2. Make yourself an offer too good to refuse. There is no better way to heighten motivation to get back in shape than to provide an enticement. You can promise yourself a special treat when you reach your goal, or have a multi-goal approach whereby you get a reward for each stage achieved. Your reward could be a shopping spree, a vacation or anything that provides an element of retail therapy to balance your physical effort.

3. Use the exercise program as an excuse for 'me' time. There are occasions when even the most social of us like to have some time alone, especially if our lives are a bit chaotic with continual family and work obligations. A regular exercise routine can be a great excuse to chill out and spend some quality time with yourself.

4. Use the exercise program as a social experience. While this is almost the opposite of the tip above, there can be great benefits in exercising with somebody else who has similar aims as yourself. So get together with a friend, co-worker, or family member and apply some good old fashioned peer pressure to ensure you each stay with the program as a team.

5. Beware – have a long look in the mirror! If nothing else has been able to get you to start exercising, get fully naked and stand in front of a full-length mirror. After the initial shock, have a good look from all angles especially over your shoulder at your backside. If you are happy with what you see, you will no doubt want to exercise to maintain that which you have. However, if you need to lose some pounds and tone up, the truthful mirror will be the catalyst to have you exercising immediately.

To get that lean look and keen feeling will take both a bit of exercise and some attention to your diet. Both of these areas are important and if you are serious are getting in shape then check out the FREE ebook at www.leanandkeen.com. Do it now!