Now that you’ve been convinced of how important physical activity is to your health and well being, the next step is incorporating it into your life.

Lucky for all of us, becoming more physically active is a cinch!

It is just a matter of incorporating some simple steps into your life. In fact, you probably already are “physically active” and don’t even know it.

If you don’t like to EXERCISE,  don’t worry. Exercise is just one aspect of exercise. the following are some tips to help you get started

• Tip 1 – Make a list of the reasons why you’d like to incorporate physical activity into your life. Make certain to incorporate health problems that may be improved by physical activity.

If you need help, take a look at the benefits listed in our page or the Surgeon General’s Report on Exercise.

• Tip 2 – Make a list of any reasons that keep you from participating in physical activity and think of ways to overcome them.

• Tip 3 – If you feel that there’s ANY health reason why you shouldn’t participate in physical activity, check with your doctor before starting a workout program.

• Tip 4 – See when a friend would like to join you in the quest to become more active. Things are a lot easier and a lot more fun when a friend is involved too!

• Tip 5 – Call your local Parks and Recreation Department, YWCA/YMCA, or community organization to find out if they offer any programs or classes that may interest you.

Most  community centers and local colleges offer an array of dance classes, exercise classes (yoga, aerobics), cycling clubs, tennis lessons, swimming lessons, basketball, and etc.

• Tip 6 – Locate parks, and walking trails in the area. Local malls sometimes have walking clubs as well. It’s a good place to go when the weather is bad.

• Tip 7 – Make sure to keep an activity journal. In it, list all of the activities you have done each day and how long you did them.

A journal will help you track your progress, help you set goals and identify the activities that you like best.