SALT LAKE CITY — So your Skechers Shape-Ups shoes didn’t actually tone your buns and thighs. But don’t go swearing off all fitness shortcuts forever; there are still countless ways to exercise without dedicating your life to the gym.

Unlike the Shape-Ups and other too-good-to-be-true fitness gadgets of days gone by (vibrating belt machine, anyone?), these shortcuts actually work. Really.

Here’s a look at three tried-and-true tips from the experts.

Get a plan

You can have all the desire and motivation in the world to get fit, but without a plan, you’re more likely to end up stalled than slimmed. There are literally countless books and articles with meal plans, exercise routines and health regimens to help you get in shape fast. For starters, check out Shape magazine’s “How to Lose Weight and Get Fit for Good” plans for women or ABC News’ “Get In Shape Fast” plan for men.

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Did you know that doing push-ups alone can keep your entire body fit? Or that running barefoot may be better for you than in high-tech running shoes? Or that starting at the couch may be the best place to begin a fitness program?

In addition to having a plan, you must have a vision for what you want to accomplish. “When you don't have a specific goal, it's difficult to keep exercising and to track your progress to see how far you've come,” writes Paige Waehner for exercise. about.com. Another benefit of setting an attainable goal: It will be realistic, meaning you won’t want to quit after only a week when you haven’t seen the dramatic results that are only made for TV.

Get a complex

Do you have a complex when it comes to exercising? I don’t mean a psychological hang-up about your level of fitness (or lack thereof). “Complexes are three or more exercises done using the same barbell, dumbbell or kettlebell with no rest between each movement,” writes Curt Peterson, a health and fitness writer and founder of stayfitcentral.com. “Despite the name, they are anything but complex with regard to the equipment, space, skill or time they require to complete.” Check out his 20-minute workout complexes at lifehack.org.

If toning and building muscle isn’t your thing, ditch this routine but stick to the concept. Combine your efforts wherever possible to maximize both the time and effort you spend getting healthy.

“The trick is to sweat smarter, not harder, and, in many cases, for shorter durations,” writes Caroline Schaefer for fitbe.msn.com. “In fact, a study from McMaster University in Ontario found that people who did brief, fast-paced workouts for a total of 90 minutes a week got just as fit as those who did lower-intensity training for four and a half hours.”

Get a disguise

The promise of getting more out of doing less has lured many but fulfilled few. But doctors say there’s an easy way to put this principle into action: "The goal here is to disguise your exercise," says Barry A. Franklin, PhD, in an article for medicinenet.com. "We have, as a nation, overemphasized the value of structured exercise and underemphasized the value of lifestyle physical activity as a way to get more fitness into our lives."

Franklin suggests simply getting more active in your daily life, which will provide the same benefits as a structured exercise routine but without the gym hours logged. Try team sports, taking the stairs instead of the elevator and going for longer walks with your dog.

Whatever you choose to do, just do it. The longer you wait, the longer it will take you to attain the kind of fitness you're dreaming of.

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