How To Enjoy Your Workout in Three Easy Steps

Gym Buddies Andrea (who will never ever get hit by a car while running at night), Sarah, Allison, Sunshine, Me, and Serena

People sometimes ask me, "How on earth do you find motivation to workout every day? Don't you get bored?" The next time someone says this to me I'm going to whip these pics out of my wallet and answer, "How often do you get to wear a gold lame (accent on the e, thankyouverymuch) leotard, pink chuck T's and rat your hair Whitesnake style all while getting the workout of your life?" True, not every night is '80s TurboKick night at my gym - and thank heavens for that, it took me 20 minutes to use the bathroom and I had wedgies from three different angles - but this is just a great example of the kind of party people I sweat with. So how do you get your own bore-proof workout, you ask? I'll tell you in three easy steps:

Step One: Find a Great Teacher
Sorry kids, Turbo Jennie's already taken but there are a ton of great fit instructors out there. It's amazing the difference a good teacher can make. Gyms attract big personalities so find somebody whose personality matches what you need. Love a cheerful, Energizer bunny type with pumping music? Check out step aerobics! Dream about a warm and soothing voice reminding you to breathe ('cause you know you forget)? The yoga teacher's got your back. Miss the verbal abuse and tough love of your childhood? Bootcamp Sargent's knocking on your door!

This may be my all-time fave pic of Turbo Jennie. Not only does she rock the pink tights but she still looks like she could punch my lights out. And all while wearing a fanny pack. Awesome.

Step Two: Find a Great Class
Some people prefer to workout on their own. Which is all good but if that is you then you are the only person responsible if your workout is boring. The rest of us apparently want someone else to blame. My little dancer heart loves choreography and so I naturally gravitate towards TurboKick, Hip Hop and Zumba. But others love the structured burn of a group weight-lifting class. And still others like some instruction but at their own pace, like bootcamp. My advice? Try it all. Even if you don't like it, at least now you know.

All the folks in my TurboKick class who dressed up for '80s night. We made the others stand in the corner and chant "We're not worthy." Kidding.

Step Three: Find Some Great Friends
Now this step is really important. A lot of people want to skip this step. They come in the gym, do their workout and then leave. But having Gym Buddies has benefits that go far beyond just having someone to giggle with when you trip over the weight bench you were just sitting on or squeak one out during yoga. They help you stay accountable. They make you feel welcome. They can lift you up on a down day. They can encourage you to get out one more mile or one last set. They can lend you a hairband if you forget yours or a shoulder to cry on if PMS hits hard. Say hi. Smile. Strike up a conversation. I promise it will be worth your time.

The Unitard Twins. The scary part is that neither one of them had to go out and buy their unitard... hmmm...

Ted sporting a totally rad mullet and a mean set of abs. You'd never know from his erudite comments on this site that he was hiding the incredible hulk under all that Upstanding Citizen shtick.

The Glitter Sisters. Gym Buddy Allison and I are way shinier than should be allowed at the gym. True story - as I walked around the track one of the personal trainers who usually works mornings did a double take. I felt compelled to explain "It's a costume. For '80s night." His face lit up with relief, "Ah! I just figured this was your 'nighttime look'" Because every girl needs an evening look. For the gym.

And there you have it! Happy workouting!! And HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

So tell me - you guys have a special Halloween workout lined up? Anyone going to a costume party? Tell me all about your costume! Don't forget - Monday starts a brand spanking new Great Fitness Experiment and you're going to love it. Two words: suspension training. Wheeee!