NOTE from Dr. Roizen: Dr. Oz and I haven’t blogged in a while because we’ve been working hard to finish our new book, YOU: Staying Young -- The Owner’s Manual for Extending Your Warranty. It’s done (and coming out Oct. 31, 2007), so we can resume this blog. Here are some updates on what’s happening with Caroline, Tami, and Suzanne, three women who were followed for 2 months on Canada AM (it’s like Good Morning America).

Is the treadmill putting you to sleep? It may be time to change that daily stroll to an activity that helps you forget you’re even exercising.

Just as your brain becomes bored by a dull and repetitive lecture, your body gets bored with exercise and needs change to feel excited. Instead of opting for the same old walk around the block, hit your daily 10,000 steps through other forms of exercise. Summer is the perfect time to take advantage of the great outdoors and choose the scenic route to waist and weight loss.

Alternatives for exercise can be anything that you enjoy. For some, the ideal day of fitness may be filled with a trek through the woods, followed by a long bike ride with a friend. Others may need an hour of yoga or Pilates to hit the spot. For those former athletes out there, tuning up the ol’ dribble-and-pass skills may be just the trick. Whatever you choose, don’t let rustiness discourage you. Remember, old habits die hard, so it’s likely that your three-point shot and your golf game will quickly be in just the shape you left them.

You may be surprised by how much your energy level has changed. Things that used to leave you huffing and puffing may now be attainable with just a smile. If nothing else, diversion from the beaten path could open your eyes to how much your body has transformed, not only externally but also internally. Treat yourself to a pat on the back: It’s your turn to be proud of your own physical accomplishments.

Congratulations to Caroline for being a step ahead and embodying this very concept in her weekend away. Although her cravings managed to get the best of her, a consistent 15,000 steps per day helped keep her weight and waist regulated throughout the week, and with the help of the YOU-Turn, she’ll be back to whole grains and greens in no time. And to top it all off, tree walking and zip lining are just two of the adventures Caroline encountered while away. You, too, may find yourself willing and able to participate in sports you never thought possible.

This week, we’d also like to welcome Suzanne’s daughter to the team. There’s no better way to push yourself than to share the YOU Diet and Workout plan with someone you love, so two thumbs up to Suzanne for carrying out our mission statement: Give yourself a do-over, and then teach others to do the same.

So don’t play it safe. See if pushing yourself to give your body a break from the monotony is as much fun for you as it is for us. The results may surprise you even more than your score.