Dear Fitness Coach,

I am a 32-year-old guy with a weight problem. I am getting married in April and need to get this extra weight off before then. I do know eating less and hitting the gym are the way to go, but I just do not know how to get started. I've got to lose about 50 pounds, and I am willing to do what it takes - even if it means working out every day.

Fat Fiancé

Dear Fiancé

According to motivational experts, you need to be smart when setting your goal. With any successful program, you must follow these five steps:

1. Specific
   Use the word “will”, instead of “want”. For example, I will weigh 175 pounds by March 15th.
2. Measurable
   Weighing yourself daily in the morning will keep you on track. Gauge your progress by how your trousers are fitting: you should be dropping a pant size every six weeks or so.
3. Attainable
   Working out 7 days a week is more pie-in-the-sky than realistic, and you may be setting yourself up for failure. But 3 to 4 days a week is a commitment that most people can keep.
4. Realistic
   If you need to shed 50 pounds, it's not going to happen overnight. Reducing your caloric intake by 1,000 calories a day will translate into a very attainable two pounds a week.
5. Time-Sensitive
   Choose a specific date and map it out so you are reaching predetermined milestones along the way.

Before starting any exercise program, check with your health care provider. Once you are good-to-go, enlist a support system: your bride-to-be, family, friends and coworkers. This will help keep you motivated and accountable every step of the way.