The latest secret to getting the most from your workout: your
attitude, according to a study from the University of Michigan.
Researchers found that women who broke a sweat just to lose weight or
tone up did almost 40 percent less exercise and walked 2.5 times less
than those who worked out for pleasure to energize, improve well-being
or enjoy themselves. "Those who exercise to get into shape or fit into
a size six may feel it's something they're 'supposed to do,' which is a
lot less motivating," says lead study author and psychology researcher
Michelle Segar. To get yourself more psyched about your workout, start
experimenting with different types of physical activities like
kickboxing or body sculpting, working out with a friend or a personal
trainer or heading outside if your workouts are usually confined to the
gym.

We're Healthier!
Listen up, working moms: A new study shows that mixing work and
motherhood may be good for your health. Researchers assessed women at
age 26 and again at 54, checking health and body mass index (a measure
of body fat based on height and weight). In addition, the women were
asked roughly every ten years about their employment and relationship
status and whether they had kids. The results: Working mothers in a
steady relationship reported having fewer health problems and being in
better shape than other women. "Our findings suggest that good health
is more often the result of combining work and family roles," says lead
study author Anne McMunn, PhD, MPH, a senior research fellow at University College London.