THERESA: Motivation seems to be a universal challenge, doesn't it? Especially in these waning days of winter. We all get into exercise slumps from time to time, when we just can't muster the energy to hit the gym or bicycle or running trail for days or weeks at a time.

I've been feeling that way lately, but I think I'm coming out of it now. Yesterday I talked myself into running four miles, and afterwards I realized that while it's not always easy getting started, and it's often not easy while I'm doing it, it's ALWAYS worth it when I'm done. I never say to myself, "I wish I hadn't wasted that time exercising today." Ever. Realizing that gave me a boost.

And now I'm looking forward to getting back into my weight-lifting routine this week (starting today) and upping my mileage slowly so I can improve my time in this year's Broad Street Run.

When I don't exercise, I pay a noticeable price, usually within just a few days. It's not that I feel sluggish or heavier right away, but I do feel more stressed. My jaws get tight. My back hurts. Once I start moving around and getting my blood pumping, that tension melts away.

What suggestions does everyone have for weathering the exercise blahs? I know we've talked about this before, but it seems to be an experience that resonates with most women.

ELLEN: I spent a couple of hours at the gym Sunday. Just seeing all those people there on a day off was helpful. We all looked a little unmotivated. But I got great energy just from seeing them. I felt part of something and it helped me renew my time commitment.

I also find the card that tracks the increase in weights for my strength training a great motivator. As I’ve said before, I hate these things. I especially hate food journals. But maybe some sort of aerobic journal would force me to admit that I am doing better.

One other detail that got me pumped. I noticed at one of the weight machines that the foot area had a little dirt residue on it. People are exercising outside in their tennis!!! I can do that too!!! Spring is here!!!

YVONNE W: I have this trick that I learned from time spent in karate classes. I am able to think of other things while I exercise. I move my body without giving much thought to the process. I would probably get more results if I concentrated on the body part I'm using, but I decided just moving is enough even when my heart isn't in it.

I've exercised for over twenty years (I've never been that crazy about it) however, I find the results motivate me. I agree with you once I start eventually I seem to be able to get into it. However, if I just can't get into it, I just stop.

JENICE: Lately, I haven't been feeling particularly focused on karate. It's gotten to the point where my instructor even voiced concern about my being ready to test for my black belt in May. So, on Saturday morning, I knew I had no choice but to go. Even though my alarm didn't go off at 6:30 a.m. like it was supposed to. Even though I had to run bleary eyed to my office to retrieve my car. And even though I then had to drive all the way to Haverford. I managed to show up for the 8 a.m. class. As I changed, I could hear my classmates already going through their routines. I got out there and somehow managed to keep up, even though it was my first class of the week. When it was time to spar, I got the crap beaten out of me by a black belt. Before I could catch my breath, the instructor made him do it again. The guy was so fast and so strong. All I could do was block, throw a few punches and try not to get knocked down. Then, it was time for more kata routines.

By the time class was over, I was exhausted. I was ready to go. But another black belt had pulled me aside to give me a few pointers. Patiently, he demonstrated the block I was executing improperly. I didn't know what he was talking about. But I kept trying to move my body exactly the way he showed me. I did it over and over until, finally, a light bulb went on in my brain. I finally did it right. He bowed and left me on the floor to practice, which I did before changing and hopping back in my car.

As I drove back to Philly, I was exhausted but exhilirated because I'd forced myself to do something I didn't want to do and had managed to get something out of it in the process. Nike's motto is "just do it." But when I'm in a slump, my motto is, "just force yourself."

JILL: I'm coming off of several weeks of injuries/illness so I haven't exercised and I can feel the lazies creeping in. You know: "Oh, well, I'll start slowly back at the gym. . .tomorrow." It's so interesting how good you can feel when you're in the rhythm of it and how easily you can begin to avoid it. I'm hoping that the sheer memory of how good I felt when I was doing it regularly will help me to get back. I sure hope so. (And I find that the perfect motivator is the snugness of the waistband on my clothes.)

LAURIE: Just force myself - yeah, that's my mantra, too, Jenice! And Theresa, you are so right that the one thing exercising never feels like after the fact is a waste of time. So why don't we do it more? I have also been in a slump. Managing to do a little yoga, and a smidgen of dancing but that's all! I have to get back into it, too.

One thing I do (and you can see its effectiveness is iffy) is keep a little post-it note "chart" on my desk where I mark off what exercises I've done. I make a grid, so I can see how I've been doing for a few weeks. Mark a "G" for gym, "Y" for yoga, etc. Sometimes it helps -- especially when I've decided to get back into the exercise game but need a motivator boost. Occasionally, when I think I haven't done much, my chart tells me that at least I've been maintaining so I don't get so frustrated at myself.