No, this is not a post about Spanx.

This is a post about how to get yourself to exercise in the dead of winter, when your seratonin is bottomed out and the fluffy folds of your overstuffed sofa beckon like so many marshmallows.

Trick yourself.

Tell yourself you don’t have to exercise. Bravo, you’re a fitness goddess and you’ve won yourself a hard-earned day of rest. As you wish, my dearest body, as you wish.

But here’s where the Spandex comes in. OK, so you won’t exercise. But you do have to put on your exercise clothes. You know, just because. You should probably put on your IPod too, with some upbeat music that you like, usually for exercise, but you know, not today.

Pass by the mirror. Admire all those minute changes in your body that only you can see. Those comely ankles. That tightening waistline. A sharper chin. Remind yourself that exercise helped uncover all these nice features — though of course today you just want to sit on the couch. Sure, if you went, you might look even sexier when you got back, all rosy cheeked and exercised. But who wants to be sexy, right? The couch doesn’t care if you’re sexy.

Next step: If your workout normally takes you outside and you live in a cold climate, suit up in your winter duds - hat, scarf, gloves, whatever you wear. Once that’s done, feel free to recline, perhaps read some exercise magazines or blogs. But you might notice you’re getting hot… so hot, some fresh air might really feel good…for your fit physique…that loves [insert favorite singer here] more than life itself.

Are you running yet?

If you’re an indoor exerciser, turn on your favorite DVD with plans just to sit on your butt and watch it. Why not? TV is all reruns anyway.

Are you exercising yet?