Studies have shown and the ACSM (american college of Sports Medicine) agree that an exercise program that includes strength training is the best way to get in shape. So I have listed a few basic tips.

First of all : Eat breakfast every day. People who eat breakfast consume fewer total calories during the day then those that don't.

Begin with a warm up ~When working out on cardio equipment (e.g. elliptical trainers), don't lean heavily on the handrails. This will reduce the amount of calories you burn. ou should warm up b/w 5-10 miniutes.

Include some type of strength training in your weekly exercise regimen no matter what your fitness goals are.

If you're a woman, don't be afraid of strength training. You won't bulk up (unless you want to)

Be sure you are training with the proper resistance size. Ideally, you should choose a size that fatigues you after 10-12 reps

How long you rest between sets is important. For building muscles and getting bulkier the rest time should be longer. For more muscle endurance and leaner, sculpted muscles the rest time should be shorter.

Concentrate on the muscle(s) you are working during a specific exercise and don't allow your other muscle groups to assist with the exercise.

The frequency of your strength training depends on whether your goals are to get bigger and stronger (less often) or whether you want to get leaner and more defined muscles (more often). If you do strength training every time you work out, alternate between heavier weights one day and lighter weights the next. It is important to give your muscles some time to rest.