One of the keys to a dedicated lifestyle of health and fitness is accepting the fact that you are going to look like an idiot. Willpower and motivation are great, but a good dose of humility will help you a lot more when you've just spent 5 minutes unsuccessfully trying to turn on the elliptical machine. No one likes to look stupid or incompetent, but when you are trying new things you are bound to make mistakes. Just don't let the fear of screwing up hold you back from working out. Even the most experienced golf pro started out swatting clumps of grass into the air.

There are ways to downplay your stupidity that don't involve blindfolding everyone in a 100-yard radius. If you're trying an aerobics class for the first time, you can stand in the back row until you learn the routine. Some instructors will even spend time before or after a class to break down more complicated moves for you. If you've entered a gym for the first time in your life, you can save time spent staring cluelessly at control panels by just asking the staff how to use the machines. Don't let their scary, big muscles frighten you off. Your dues are paying for their protein shakes, so they may as well earn the money. If you need to buy fancy running shoes or a new bicycle, don't be afraid to ask salespeople for help. They want you to buy stuff from them, not just fondle all the rollerblades before dashing for the door. It's still best to research your purchase online first so you can at least pretend you know how many gears a bike has and to be sure they don't push you into a more expensive product with features you don't need.

Once you've overcome the initial learning curve, you'll be on your way to becoming a fitness expert. All experts started out as novices. After some practice, someone might even ask you how to turn on the elliptical machine. -- Jennette Fulda