In a recent post, I talked about about interval training, discussing the basics as well as the variety of interval workouts I've created, mostly to torture my clients. That never really gets old.

I also asked readers to submit their favorite interval workouts and I got a great one from Gavin who said he tried interval training after he hit a plateau during the summer. He decided to try interval training and he's been doing it ever since.

Gavin favors an easy-to-follow (if not easy to do) elliptical workout involving alternating high intensity segments with recovery segments for 1 minute, while increasing your resistance throughout the workout. I liked this routine so much, I created an online workout for your exercise pleasure. If you're game, print it out and try it the next time you're at the gym.

Thanks, Gavin!

Do you have a favorite interval workout? If so, post it here for all of our readers to enjoy.

This time of year, I see plenty of injuries, both from seasoned exercisers (who sometimes overdo it this time of year just to keep their spirits up) and from new exercisers (who sometimes overdo it this time of year to reach weight loss resolutions or goals). I can tell it's that time because I've gotten quite a few emails from readers lately about various injuries and illnesses - Namely, how to deal with them without going stark raving mad.

After going through a number of injuries and illnesses over the years, I've learned that there are three important things you need to do:

• Follow your doctor's orders. This may seem obvious, but I'm always amazed at how many of my clients (and, if I'm being honest, myself at times) dismiss the doctor's instructions in favor of their own treatment ("So my knee pops out of the socket when I run...I'm sure it'll be fine!"). This almost always turns out badly. More about exercising with an injury.
• Put your body in charge. If you're sick or injured, your body has an amazing alert system to let you know what you should and shouldn't do. Pain, fatigue, weakness, nausea, fever or a high heart rate are just a few signals that you should stop what you're doing. Your mind may be telling you to keep going, but your body knows best.
• Make a plan. Taking action and making a solid plan to heal your injury will help feel more in control while giving your body what it needs to get better. One idea is to keep to your workout schedule, even if you can't do your usual routine. Use the time for physical therapy exercises, activities that don't involve your injury or some simple stretching. If you can move in some way, focus on that rather than what you're not able to do.

More about how to avoid an injury, exercising with a lower body injury and dealing with knee pain and osteoarthritis.

What about you? How do you handle an injury? Vote in this week's poll and tell us about it.

It's been a long time since I've run outside and, like many exercisers, I'm getting a little tired of the same old gym workouts. There are plenty of ways to spice things up, but the best is with music. A new playlist can energize you and the right song at the right moment can take you to the next level - or at least keep you from falling into a coma while on the treadmill.

That's what motivated me to make a new playlist this week and, if you're interested, you can find Workout Fun in your iTunes and check out some new music for your own workouts. Warning: Clicking on the link above will prompt you to open iTunes and, also, there are some explicit songs (shhh, don't tell my mom) so, if you have delicate ears, be aware of that. Here's the full list:

• "Good Luck" - Basement Jaxx & Lisa Kekaula
• "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked" - Cage the Elephant
• "Give a Little More" - Maroon 5
• "Uprising" - Muse
• "Rock That Body" - Black Eyed Peas
• "No One Loves Me & Neither Do I" - Them Crooked Vultures
• "Modern World" - Wolf Parade
• "Get Back In My Life" - Maroon 5
• "Back Against the Wall" - Cage the Elephant
• "Not So Pretty Now" - Nine Inch Nails
• "Psycho" - Puddle of Mudd
• "Scumbag Blues" - Them Crooked Vultures
• "Back Stabbin' Betty" - Cage the Elephant
• "Livin' On Borrowed Time" - Puddle of Mudd
• "Sweet Child O' Mine" - Guns N' Roses

This playlist worked great with my High Intensity Medley Workout and it would also work with any high energy workout - or any workout that needs more energy.

Do you have a favorite song or playlist? What keeps you going when gym workouts get boring? Leave a comment and tell us about the workout music that keeps you going.

When you start exercising, there may come a time when you start to doubt yourself. Maybe it's because you're not getting results or maybe you just haven't found your exercise groove yet. Or, maybe it's because it's February and your New Year's resolutions are starting to lose their luster under the pressure of a long, dark winter.

This is the moment when many exercisers give up, feeling like a failure, but it's what you say to yourself at this critical moment that can actually lead you to success.

You know what I'm talking about: A pep talk. Pep talks are, by definition, peppy and you may feel about as peppy as a wet mop. You may even think that talking to yourself is weird and, if that's the case, you can always put your cell phone to your ear and pretend you're talking to someone. Either way, reminding yourself of a few important facts may be just what you need to keep going.

That's what I'm talking about in my latest article, Exercise Tips to Keep You Motivated with a few simple but salient facts like, for one, you don't have to be miserable or, for two, you really will feel better once you get started.

And for those of you who regularly lick this motivation thing, I'd love to hear how you keep going. Be sure to leave a comment or, even better, post your best tips here for everyone to enjoy.