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There are two great rules to follow if you want to make exercise a regular habit. Follow these two rules and you will benefit from the results.

First off, the type of exercise you choose HAS to be something you really enjoy, otherwise you just won't keep it up. If it starts feeling like a chore, you know you're on the road to getting your rear end back on that couch again.

Think about what you love. Walking in the park with the dog? Doing housework? (Come on, someone out there must do...) How about swimming? Whatever kind of activities you love to do, make a note of them and we'll move on.

Okay, step two. Think about what your average day is like. Not only your workdays, but your days off too. How can you incorporate exercise into those days?

It could be as easy as getting off the bus a couple of stops early and enjoying a brisk walk. Use the stairs instead of the lift. If your workplace has a gym and you enjoy running, why not hit the treadmill for half an hour every other day during your lunch hour?

Being able to blend exercise into your day without it getting in the way and being an inconvenience is easier than you might think - so long as you indulge in a bit of forward planning. The first couple of weeks are usually the hardest as it takes time to form a new habit, but you'll soon get used to it, and choosing an activity you really enjoy will make it a lot easier for that habit to form.

Learn more about this author, Allison Whitehead.
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