If you had to name what the most important factors for a successful exercise program are, what would you say? Weight loss would probably be on the top of your list, but if you’re following a good program, it should be a given. Two of the most important features of any successful weight-loss program are to have fun and to stop expecting instant results. Once you have those two things down, the rest (like weight loss) will fall into place.

A fun program is one you’re likely to stick with long-term, which means you’ll get lasting results. If you’re not enjoying yourself, you’re going to quit before you make any progress. If you don’t like the gym, don’t force yourself to work out there day after day. Instead, pick activities that you won’t end up dreading and that you will actually look forward to doing, like swimming or playing competitive sports (tennis, anyone?).

And you can probably guess why it’s a bad idea to expect instant results – weight loss simply takes time! Crash exercising, just like crash dieting, is a quick road to failure. So don’t rush what simply can’t be rushed. To lose weight and keep it off for good, be realistic about how long it’s going to take. And enjoy yourself while you’re at it.