It's a proven fact that women get motivated to get out there and get in shape in a different way then men go about it. But for both genders, that thing that makes you get out of bed and get down to the gym which is your motivation system will be the key to your success in your exercise program. And if you have a firm vision of what you want out of your exercise program, you will know every step of the way if it is working for you.

Very often when exercise programs are customized for men, there is a strong preference for strength training and weight lifting. Men get a powerful rush of endorphins from that kind of exercise and it ties in well with a natural urge to "bulk out" that is a big part of the male psyche.

So it's natural that women's exercise programs are focused on other motivations for getting in shape. And if you ask all the women at the gym what is the big motivation, it usually is the desire to lose a few pounds. That is why a woman's workout must include a mixture of exercises which includes some cardio work outs combined with weight room exercises that are specifically focused on stretching and toning the tummy.

There is no getting around it though, for an effective weight loss program, we are going to have to work up a sweat with cardio exercises like tennis, swimming, running and brisk walking. But we must always seek a healthy balance of exercise so we can see some real progress.

The purpose of adding stretching and weight training to a good program of cardio exercises and diet control is that we want to replace the fat we lose with healthy muscle. But something more is needed than even a perfectly balanced program of exercise and diet that accomplishes your physical goals. And that thing that has to be part of any ongoing program that is going to work long term is that the time you spend working out must be enjoyable.

So any women's exercise programs you will commit to must also have some sense of fun and probably be social to really work for you. Unlike men, women are social creatures and if you have a work out with a friend or belong to an all women's gym, the chances your program will be a success are much higher. In addition to the company, breaking up your program by being involved in a greater variety of exercises will also keep you going to the gym consistently week after week.

To get the kind of variety that helps defeat the boredom of working out, you can mix in a lot of different kinds of exercise including tennis, swimming, walking and even volleyball, weight training or time on the treadmill or other cardio machines. This varied approach to woman's health is just the thing for keeping you active and interested in what you are doing and eventually looking in the mirror at a trimmer and sexier gal which is your goal.

If you make sure your program is both well balanced and interesting and fun, you will come away with a work out regimen that is something you can do day after day and week after week. In this way, you will see the weeks turn into months and finally your healthy program will turn into a healthy lifestyle. And when you exercise the girl's way, the lifestyle changes are just what we need to get healthy and stay that way for the long term.