The words "lazy" and "personal trainer" may seem to be at opposite spots on the reality spectrum, however, I do have to admit that I am both a personal trainer and I am lazy. While I possess a high-energy personality and am in very good shape, I still have a secret side to me that many people don't know. Like many of you out there, I try to plan ahead so that I limit the trips up and down stairs at my home. I, too, drive all over trying to find the closest parking spot to the store. And I would much rather sit and read a great novel than do yard work.

Are you shocked?

Don't be. Most people are innately lazy. Think about it for a minute; we all try to find short cuts in our lives whether it be to save us energy, time or money. If there's a quicker, easier and more efficient way of doing things, you'd be stupid to not consider it. This is how progress is measured. We try to find better ways of doing things.

And exercise and fitness is no exception. Look at all the infomercials selling exercise equipment or programs that are supposedly the answer to your weight loss struggles. It constantly amazes me when I see some of the useless "crap" they are trying to sell on television and the claims they make. I find it rather insulting and the fact that most of this crap sells remarkably well is even more troubling.

Now I said I was lazy, not stupid. So I do know enough to know that there is no quick fix when it comes to loosing weight and getting in shape. There is no one piece of equipment that is going to be the missing link to why we can seem to shed that extra weight. It takes hard work and if anyone tells you otherwise, they are lying.

So, what's a lazy person to do?

Well the first thing I suggest is that you work on making your workout routines as effective and efficient as possible. While I love a good workout, I have no desire to spend 2 hours a day in the gym doing this. Nor do I have any desire to hang out with people who like to spend 2 hours a day in the gym working out. That's just silly and if anyone has that much time to waste, I can assure you that we won't have a whole lot in common.

By studying fitness professionals and coaches that have far more experience and knowledge than I do, I have learned how to spend the least amount of time working out while getting the best results possible. In turn, I now teach my clients how to do the same thing.

There is no reason that you cannot get in the best shape of your life by working out for 30-40 minutes 3-4 times a week. You just have to make the most of those 30-40 minutes by working out at a higher intensity and shortening your rest periods. If you are not experiencing oxygen depletion during your workout, than you probably aren't working out hard enough. Now please keep in mind that in order to workout at a high intensity level, you definitely will want to get medical clearance from your doctor to rule out any potential health risks. However, if you are given medical clearance, try amping up your workout routine a notch or two by increasing your weight or speed. This will not only allow you to shorten your workout time, but it will also increase your metabolic rate for hours after your workout. So, essentially you'll be burning calories and fat while at rest!

Now, that's a lazy person's dream!

Now, back to my novel.