July 2003. Heads are turning, eyebrows are bobbing up and down and you see people getting the attention of their friends to look at you approvingly? Well, my dear, you are PHAT to the nth degree, aren't you?

You go unnoticed, eyes look right through you or worse, look shocked or sad as they scroll you up and down, and you notice people getting the attention of their friends to gaze upon your large frame with faces you'd rather not acknowledge. Darling, you are FAT, and FAT to the nth degree!

So how does one go from FAT to PHAT? The program is easy enough, but the person who achieves it has to have what I like to call, the "4 D's."

Decision - comes to the rescue when you have had enough
Drive - gets involved with the day-to-day implementation
Discipline - ensures that the day-to-day challenges are met
Determination - keeps you going when the going gets tough

Change is tough, and becoming fit and healthy in today's world is like a salmon swimming upstream. You can't be spectacular and live like everyone else does. You can't have a six-pack while chowing down regularly on pizza and beer. If we could have that body without working for it we would all be marvelous, now wouldn't we? So, the 4 D's are absolutely paramount in achieving the dream of a sexy sculpted body!

You believe you have what it takes? Great! You are 80% there. Now take your new decision and beginner's enthusiasm and begin a basic program as follows. Get out your daytimer and make at least 3 appointments with yourself THIS week. Where do you have at least 20 minutes to spend? Snatch it up, schedule it, and refuse to put someone else in your spot as the week goes on! Treat your own appointment as gold. Then, just move your body--somehow, when the time comes! Do what you know or hire a professional to help you, but do something you enjoy to start, and do it frequently. You can always add more later, but don't overwhelm yourself in the beginning.

You're not sure what exercises to do? I invite you to look at over 60 home-based exercises on my web site, www.thebodysculptress.com totally free of charge. Gym exercises are on the way. Meanwhile, just get started. I'll cover exercise specifics next time.