Getting workouts off to a quick start.

Despite the never-ending list of diets, weight-loss products, and philosophies out there, Americans are heavier than ever--and growing every day. No matter how you package it, however, experts overwhelmingly agree that the formula for shedding unwanted pounds is simple: Eat less and exercise more. So, why is it so hard for so many of us?

One excuse often heard is, "Who has time to exercise?" Working on the theory that your life is crazy enough, so your fitness routine should not be, Sane Fitness, New York, has a neatly packaged QuickStart Kit--a deck of cards on a lanyard that can be transported to the gym or used at home for simple, easy-to-follow workouts. With three sets of 12 cards (one with an overview of the session, six with full-body exercises, two with abdominals, and three with stretches), the techniques are...