Here's a question that's been nagging me for a while: What separates die-hard exercisers from the rest of us? Why is it that some people can't wait to go to the gym, while others want only to grab a bowl of ice cream, put their feet up, and catch yet another Seinfeld rerun?

In other words, I want to know who these workout zealots are and why I'm not one of them.

"There is a certain type of individual who thrives on exercise," says Susan Bartlett, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and assistant professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions in Baltimore. "But it's not common, encompassing only about 10 percent of the population. These are people who really love to exercise. They tend to be structured, focused, goal-oriented, and good at follow-through."

So what can the rest of us unstructured, unfocused people do to feel, if not passionate about exercise, at least more enthusiastic? We put this question to the experts -- and to the hundreds of fitness fans among our readers at CookingLight.com.

Mix it up. If there's one generalization we can make about our respondents, it's that they vary their routines to stave off boredom. "I love exercise so much because I change it constantly," reader Renee told us. "Being inspired by the experience and success of a new routine, getting educated, and being involved in the cutting edge of fitness makes me passionate! Trying the new class, signing up for the latest challenge at the gym -- you name it, I want to taste it." "Variety is important for most of us to help us avoid boredom and injury," Bartlett adds. "For people who don't get that exercise "high", having options can make a huge difference."

Find a buddy. Working out with a friend can make time pass more quickly. Plus, many of our dedicated exercisers actually view their workouts as social time, which makes them more eager to exercise. According to one fitness buff, "Exercise is fun -- and not a chore -- for me since I have two walking buddies, one for the weekend and one at work. It's great to have two wonderful confidants." If you don't have a pal to join you in your endeavor, visit the American Council on Exercise Web site (www.acefitness.org) to find a personal trainer in your area.

Do what you love. A big bonus of trying all that's available inside and outside the gym is the likelihood that you'll eventually hit on a workout that you just can't get enough of. Margie, one Web-site respondent, advises, "Do whichever sport or exercise you love; don't force yourself to run if you dread it." Carl Foster, Ph.D., a professor of exercise and sport science at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, agrees. "Keep in mind that exercise doesn't have to be in a gym -- ballroom dancing, martial arts, swimming, even playing Frisbee with your kids are all workouts if done energetically.?

Set realistic goals. Do you start an exercise program imagining a marathon, but never get past your first sprint? "It's fun and necessary to have goals for achievement, but the key is to have very realistic ones," notes Web-site respondent Sherri. "I started running two years ago, after my son was born. Each year I had a goal: first a 5k run, then last year a 10k, this year, half-marathons." Examine your goals regularly by asking yourself if they were realistic, if you made excuses for exercising, what kept you from it? Regularly reviewing your goals and keeping records of your progress helps keep you on track.

Think time and place. You've no doubt heard the expression "timing is everything." To make workouts more enjoyable, pick a time and place that works for you. If going to the gym intimidates you, buy or rent workout videos that you can use at home. Don't force yourself to do anything that requires something that makes you uncomfortable like wearing revealing clothes; instead choose something with more modest attire (e.g., self-defense disciplines such as karate, judo, or tae kwon do). "Understand what works best for you and don't try to fit into someone else's mold," Bartlett says. "We all need to redefine what exercise is. Remember -- you don't have to be in Lycra for your exercise to count."

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