After one month, retake the measurements we suggested you take in suggestion one. This is a new starting point for the next month and tangible evidence that you're doing things wrong or right. Take this opportunity to think about your workouts and what you can be doing better or what you think might be more effective or more fun. Make any changes you want for the upcoming month. Do this every month or every other month.

Treat yourself to something special if you've stuck to your program. Buy that pair of pants you've had your eye on, or treat yourself to a night out at the movies. Whatever makes you happy as long as it doesn't negate your success. (A double hot fudge sundae? Probably not the best reward for sticking to your workouts.) You deserve it.

If you absolutely don't have time for conventional exercise, try lifestyle exercise such as walking, housework and climbing stairs. Without doing anything out of the ordinary, you probably walk between 4,000 and 5,000 steps a day. With a little effort, taking a longer route between classes or walking home, you can probably get that number up to somewhere between 6,000 and 7,000. Shoot for 8,000 and set 10,000 as a long-term goal.

Try these strategies and you really will be more fit by next Friday.

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