Feel the Burn: 12 Ways to Kick Start Your Fitness

Easy ways to lose weight and feel great.

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Health Is Always in Style - As May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, check out tips from the President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition to help improve your overall health. — Britt Middleton (Photo: JGI/Jamie Grill/Getty Images)

Photo By GettyImages

Do It for Others - Sign up for a charity fun run or 5K as a family. The commitment will push you to work out in preparation for the big day.  (Photo: GettyImages) 

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Make It a Family Affair - The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends 30 minutes of physical activity, but you don't have to take drastic steps to get there. "Physical activity is more than the gym and classes. Dancing, walking, or ice skating with your family provides great physical activity opportunities, and is a great way to spend time with your loved ones," says Dominique Dawes, three time Olympic gymnast and co-chair of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition. (Photo: Purestock/Getty Images)

Put It in Writing - One way to keep yourself accountable is to schedule time for physical activity in your calendar like any other appointment you plan to keep. (Photo: Jetta Productions/Getty Images)

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Put It in Writing - One way to keep yourself accountable is to schedule time for physical activity in your calendar like any other appointment you plan to keep. (Photo: Jetta Productions/Getty Images)

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Always Be Prepared - No time for a workout after work? Keep sneakers at your desk and try going for a walk on your lunch break. Using a pedometer can help to track your steps through the day. (Photo: McDonald's Corp. via Getty Images)

Workout Trainer - No trainer? No problem. Workout Trainer coaches walk you through exercises with step-by-step audio, photo and video instructions. Available for iPhone and Android. (Photo: Apple)

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Use Technology to Your Advantage - There are a number of mobile apps geared toward weight loss to help you meet your goals. Additionally, online, you can join the President's Active Lifestyle Award challenge (PALA+) alone or with a group of friends to track your daily physical activity, plus learn about healthy eating and nutrition. (Photo: google store)

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Why Take Steroids? - According to the Mayo Clinic, some athletes are drawn to anabolic steroids because they may help speed up recovery time after a tough workout by reducing muscle damage. "This enables athletes to work out harder and more frequently without overtraining. In addition, some athletes may like the aggressive feelings they get when they take the drugs," according to the health website. (Photo: Erik Isakson/Getty Images)

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Use You Gift for Gab - Instead of calling your best girlfriend for a chat, try burning some calories together and go for a walk as you catch-up. (Photo: Erik Isakson/Getty Images)

Photo By Erik Isakson/Getty Images

Where Are African-Americans Shopping Most? - African-Americans are major retail consumers and building brand loyalty is every marketer's dream. On average, Black households shop eight times more than other households. They are more likely to frequent convenience, drug and dollar stores, spending an average of $8 less than the total market.(Photo: Tim Boyle/Getty Images)

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Shop and Walk - When shopping, park farther away in the parking lot to get some extra movement in your day. You can also try riding your bike or walking to stores in your neighborhood. (Photo: Tim Boyle/Getty Images)

Disney Takes a Stand - Last summer Disney announced that by 2015 it would require all food and beverage products advertised on its television networks, online websites and at its theme parks to align with federal standards promoting healthier food choices by limiting calories, sugar, sodium and saturated fat. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

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Stay Hydrated - No matter what type of activity you engage in, experts say staying hydrated is the key to health both inside and out. Drinking water helps your body stay cool, improves cardiovascular health and helps your muscles perform at their peak. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

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Get Limber - Yoga can be a relaxing addition to your everyday routine, improving flexibility and soothing tension. For example, Tree Pose is said to help improve concentration and can relieve tension in your hips and back. Visit Art of Living to learn about more poses. (Photo: ANDREW KELLY /LANDOV/REUTERS)

Engage Your Abs Whenever You Can - Crunches are not the only time for you to work on your abs. You can tighten your abs when walking down the street, sitting on the subway or at your desk. (Photo: JGI/Jamie Grill/Getty Images)

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Learn to Multi-Task - While you catch up on your favorite TV shows, use commercial breaks to squeeze in crunches, lunges and push-ups for a quick, muscle-toning set. You may even try integrating these moves into your workday. (Photo: JGI/Jamie Grill/Getty Images)

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Find a Distraction - If having a cigarette is all you can think about in the early days of trying to quit, take up a new hobby, like gardening or building something. The time you spend learning new skills will distract you. (Photo: David McNew/Getty Images)

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Take It to the Yard - Yard work can not only beautify your home, it can also tone your bod. It is estimated that an adult can burn about 300 calories an hour gardening. Bonus: gardening also works muscles in your legs, arms, butt, abdominals, neck and back. (Photo: David McNew/Getty Images)

iTunes Store, 2003 - Two years after opening Apple retail stores (of which there are now 300 worldwide), the company introduced the iTunes Store, a virtual shop that allows users to download songs directly onto their computer. (Photo: Courtesy Apple)

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Get the Right Tunes - Music can be a great motivator during a workout. Researchers have found that synching beats-per-minute with an exercise can increase your performance. (Photo: Apple, iTunes)

Kanye West - During the recording process of last year's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, 'Ye hit the court daily to stay in shape and focus his creative process. He's no Derrick Rose, but we're sure the Bulls would be able to sell a few Yeezy jerseys to the Chi-town faithful. Plus ‘Ye already has his own sneaker deal.   (Photo: Kevin Perkins/PacificCoastNews.com)

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Join a Team - Not into solo workouts? Try joining a community sports league or a pick-up game at your local park. The camaraderie with your new teammates can help keep you motivated while you have fun. (Photo: Kevin Perkins, © PacificCoastNews.com)