by Leann Zotis

Created on: November 23, 2011   Last Updated: January 02, 2012

Exercise is not a four letter word.  Still, it often strikes fear and trembling into the hearts and souls of those who have shied away from fitness programs and activities during their lives.  Then one day, for any of a variety of reasons, the inevitable day of reckoning comes to pass.  Whether it's on a doctor's advice, the desire to control weight or, as often happens, the realization that future good health is dependent on the wise and prudent good habits acquired today, exercise becomes a priority for many people. 

It's easy to jump right in and go full force into a strenuous exercise regimen; and, sadly, just as easy to give up in despair because of exhaustion or injury.  Exercise, like any good habit you intend to stick with, is best approached with calm deliberation.  A good game plan and specific long term goals will help you achieve your plan.  Just as "Rome wasn't built in a day," you can count on the fact that a solid exercise plan will not come about overnight. 

Easing into an exercise program you can live with isn't as hard as it sounds.  First of all, keep in mind that exercise can and should be fun.  There are many ways to exercise your body.  Putting yourself through an ordeal of distasteful calisthenics is the path most likely to lead to failure in the shortest time possible.  If you decide to join a gym, in the hope that an organized program will lead you in the right direction, proceed with caution.  Most gyms offer a wide variety of classes and programs to get your body moving.  Try a class just to test the waters.  If yoga sounds appealing to you, give it a try.  If a spin class is more your speed, try that.  Keep an open mind.  Remember, look for something that seems like fun.  Try it out once a week until you build up some strength and endurance.

Just because you're going to the gym once a week doesn't mean you've fulfilled your exercise requirements.  On days when you don't take your gym class, take a walk after dinner.  Engage your spouse in this activity as well and you will both benefit. Two or three times a week will add a significant amount of exercise to your weekly goals.  Invest in a good pedometer to chart your progress.  Start out simply keeping track of the number of steps you are taking each day with no particular goal in mind.  Down the road, when you've built up some endurance, you can set your goal at

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>