by Lori Crawford

Created on: January 10, 2008

Losing excess pounds generally tops New Years Resolution lists. Getting into shape sounded great when you added it to your goals for the year, but how do you actually go about achieving it? Starting an exercise regimen will quickly get you off the couch and on the road to a lighter you.

Depending on how overweight you are, it's probably not a good idea for you to jump head first into a Triathlon. Baby steps are key, especially if you're not used to physical exercise.

Pick An Activity That You Like.

Just because running burns a lot of calories faster than most other exercises and you're eager to see the thinner you grinning from ear to ear when you look in the mirror, you're not going to stick with it if you don't like running. Trust me, it's a whole lot easier to drag your behind to the gym if you're going there to do something you like when there are a million and one reasons why you shouldn't go today.

Don't know what you like? Go try everything. You'll naturally gravitate toward an activity.

Let's look at some of the exercises themselves. We'll focus on things that can be found in a gym. But don't forget, there are tons of activities outside a gym just waiting for you to consider them.

Weight Training

Should be done in combination with the cardio exercises listed below for best results. If you're inexperienced and don't want to hire a trainer, it's a good idea to use the weight machines instead of free weights to cut your chances of injury. Additionally, the machines have instructions on them that tell you which muscles you'll be working.

Running

Good exercise that burns a lot of calories very quickly. The downside is that it's really hard on your knees in general and even more so when you're carrying a bunch of extra pounds.

Elliptical

Good alternative to running because it burns nearly the same amount of calories, but is much easier on your knees.

Stationary Bike

Even easier on the knees, but burns fewer calories. You can choose between the standard bike or a recumbent bicycle which is one that has a fuller seat and back rest.

Water Exercise

This includes swimming, deep or shallow water jogging, aerobics and resistance training. I can't recommend water exercise enough. Swimming is the only activity where you can work your entire body simultaneously. Working out in water is extremely low impact because you'll only weigh one tenth of what you weigh on land. You won't have to worry about your knees at all!

I know it'll be daunting at first to don a swimsuit and head off

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