Starting a new exercise routine when the seasons change is one of the best ways to get motivated and on track! Pick a start date and stick with it. I like starting on a Monday- the week is fresh and somehow I feel more aligned. ;)

So, answering a question from a reader about starting a routine going into the fall/ winter, here is what I would recommend:

• If you are trying to lose weight- keep in mind that negative intake balance I have talked about (where the amount of calories you bring into your body are less than those that you use for your daily activities and exercise).
• Create a system! I like to outline it on a piece of paper and plan my workouts with my schedule. If you belong to a gym this is really easy, because you can incorporate a couple of classes you like or are curious about and structure your other workouts around those.
• Typically, it is good to do 5-6 days of cardio of at least a half hour. I find I see results if I bump that time up to 40 minutes for four of my days per week.
• Bring in the weights! Building muscle mass helps elevate your resting metabolism, so you burn more calories even at rest as they keep doing their job. ;) I would say do a weight lifting program (with abs and stretching) two days a week. I would coordinate these sessions with the lesser cardio days.
• Do yoga or pilates two times a week. I cannot attest to this enough! I will see a change in my body within one week! It really helps to cross train your body from the cardio and lifting. It also does wonders for your alignment and posture-so you look more svelte because you are holding yourself in a different, more conscience and balanced way.

Ok, those are the basics to keep in mind when formulating your plan. Here is a sample plan I put together for a week:

1. Monday: 40 minutes of cardio on the elliptical machine.
2. Tuesday: 30 minutes on the stair master + weight lifting (arms) and abs routine.
3. Wednesday: Yoga!
4. Thursday: 40 minutes of cardio on the treadmill.
5. Friday: 30 minutes of cardio on the elliptical + weight lifting (legs) and abs routine.
6. Saturday: Morning pilates + 40 minute run in the afternoon.
7. Sunday: Rest.

Get on it and good luck! All it takes is a start and in a week you will be back on track and on your way to the body you want. ;)