1.) Map out a plan-getting in great shape requires having a plan of action. Without a plan a fitness regimen has no direction and will not succeed. 2.) Set goals-goals keep you focused and ensures progress. Make sure to set realistic, measurable, and attainable goals. Make sure to set short term, intermediate, and long term goals. 3.) Keep a dietary log-nutrition is the difference between somebody who looks in great shape, and somebody who just works out. Keeping a log will help to keep you more cognizant of what you are putting into your body. 4.) Get everybody on the same page-when trying to succeed in an exercise program, it helps to have significant others, siblings, children, etc aware of your goals. This can help with adherence as well as motivation. 5.) Lift weights-lifting weights will help to add muscle tissue, which burns way more calories at rest than body fat. Lean muscle will increase your metabolism and give you that "tone" look. 6.) YOU MUST DO CARDIO-you can lift all the weight you want, but the cardio will melt down that body fat so that you can see the fruits of your labor. Cardio must be done at least three times a week for at least a half an hour. Keep the intensity high, get in the target heart rate range. 7.) Be consistent-exercise and nutrition only work if they are done consistently. YOU MUST make sure you get your workouts in, if you do not, do not expect the results you desire. 8.) Be intense-anybody can step foot in a gym. Those that get the results reach deep, and give it everything they have. 9.) Have fun-the more fun you have in your program, the more likely you will stay with it. 10.) Don't give up-exercise adherence is very low, and for good reason. Exercise is not easy, however, those who do not give up or get frustrated WILL see the results.