by Louanne Baelde

The toughest part about an exercise program is getting started. The best way to start exercises is to start slow and steady.

In order to change your lifestyle from sedentary to physically active, you need to have a workable plan.

Choose an exercise that you can practice easily all year round. Most people enjoy walking, swimming, jogging, and fitness videos. If you have a medical condition, be sure to consult your physician before you begin any type of vigorous activity.

Always begin your exercise slowly. Be sure to make it fun, not overly strenuous. Give yourself a chance to get used to the new activity. Allow yourself the necessary time to warm up before your exercise and as well, time to cool down afterwards. Five minutes for warm-ups and cool down times are often recommended. By doing warm-ups first, you will be less likely to injure yourself.

Aerobic exercises are a great way to remain healthy or even to lose or control your weight. Regular aerobic exercises help to prevent heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes and cancers. They can improve your muscles and strenghten your bones, and improve your flexibility. Aerobics can also lower your blood pressure, and lessen depression. Aerobic exercises include bicycling, swimming, stair climbing, hiking,running, walking, aerobic dancing and many other activities.

Aerobics use the large muscles in the legs and buttocks to strengthen your heart and lungs. These are called cardiovascular exercises. Regular aerobic exercises makes your heart stronger.

Establish a reasonable schedule by allowing certain days to be off. It is good to exercise at least three times a week. A well thought out schedule will continue and be more productive on the long run. An example would be to exercise maybe every other day with two or three days off every week. Begin your exercise moderately at first with maybe only 30 minutes per day. Make time for several different activities. If you find that 30 minutes is too long of a time at once, break up your session into shorter intervals such as maybe two sessions of 15 minutes. Don't stop exercising if your muscles hurt at the start; that's normal and this will gradually decrease and disappear in time. If you experience any severe pain or swelling, make sure to stop.

Choose a convenient time of the day to exercise. When exercising, it's best to wait a while after eating or to wait till the weather cools off if it is too warm.

Make sure to wear shoes that you can breathe in and that allow enough room for comfort, but yet properly support your feet.

Have a goal in mind and plan to achieve it gradually. A great way to track your success is to use a chart. You could maybe list the minutes you exercise each day.

To succeed, you must stick with your plan of exercise. Make time to reward yourself for each accomplishment. As you progress, you can increase your levels of exertion over time.