We discovered that we were both interested in weight loss through a healthy diet and exercise. We discussed our individual approaches and took note of each others' successes.

Amy needs to drop about 20 pounds and she says she won't feel overweight then. She is a mom of two boys and her husband has an equally busy schedule and job. Despite the demands of home and her work, Amy has developed an every day exercise program that she can follow regularly.

I was really impressed to hear how she has rearranged her very full work hours. She now allows time for every day exercise. She tells me that she is serious about reclaiming her wedding day body and health.

Amy convinced me of the importance of using portable monitors to gauge my heart rate the calories I burn. This will be additional information to the distance I walk recorded on my pedometer. My new heart monitor will be especially helpful as it will inform me of the level of cardiac fitness in my work outs.

I know my heart beat is generally 70 beats a minute. With the new monitor I intend buying, I expect to know when it reaches an elevated rate of 90-100 beats a minute for my cardio-vascular exercise each day. This kind of every day exercise will help me lose weight.

Amy says that she is keeping her program running regularly despite her full lifestyle because she is staying motivated. One of the keys to this for Amy is her 'Fitness Friend' who exercises with her. They both enjoy progress rewards as they reach goals along the path of their every day exercise and have a group of family and friends who actively support them.

To stay committed despite her busy schedule, Amy records all aspects of her improving body shape and form, the result of her every day exercise. This includes her weight loss as well as the improvements to her body shape around her stomach, hips and chest. Even when her weight loss slows, her body keeps changing and she has these details to prove it and spur her on.

She makes sure that these measurements are recorded at the right time of the day (first thing in the morning is best) and with sufficient time between each record to allow for progress that she wants to see! This means that she stays focused and feels encouraged even when some aspects of her progress slow down for a time.

So set a regular routine for exercise and a regular process for charting the gains you are making. I have decided that I am going to use a pedometer and a portable heart rate in my drive for a fitter, healthier body. I think I will build some rewards into my program and find a buddy to join me in my every day exercise too!