We'll go straight past the introduction. Do any of these excuses sound familiar?

• I'm too busy. Of course, you're busy. That's why you need to exercise - to maintain your stamina, strength, confidence, and self-esteem.
• But, I hate exercising. Then ask yourself what kinds of physical activities you like, and simply do them more often. You don't have to run, do sit-ups, and use a stair-climbing machine. Bicycling, gardening, folk dancing, bowling, roller-skating, and ping-pong are great forms of exercise too.
• I've never been active, and I'm too old to start now. Hah! You're never too old to start exercising. The physical deterioration traditionally associated with growing old has nothing to do with chronological age. Instead, it has everything to do with lack of exercise. No matter how long you've been out of shape, you can get back into shape. All you got to do is start.
• So, where's the time? You don't need one big block of exercise time. Sporadic exercise adds up. If you take just three 10-minute walks a day during breaks, you're exercising 30 minutes. You can do this even while shopping by walking just a little more briskly. Stretch, bend, and lift a little more during housework and cooking. And play more physically with your pet and/or children.
• I feel self-conscious. I hate looking like an idiot. Rubbish! You look good. Soon, you'll look even better because you look like a person who's taking positive steps toward better health.
• I never seem to improve. Maybe you just don't notice. Keep track of your progress. Make a chart showing how many flights of stairs you can climb before you feel winded, or how long it takes you to walk around the block - anything that's measurable. Plot your progress weekly, and pretty soon you'll be looking back at how far you've come.
• I can't afford to join a gym or turn my home into one. Who said you have to? Housework is just as good exercise. Just do it a little more vigorously. Or take a walk - outdoors, around the local mall, alone, or with friends.
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• I read that before I start exercising, I should check with my physician. Now, that's a hassle. If you're pregnant, over 50, smoke, have a personal or family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, varicose veins, or any other chronic medical condition, then it's prudent to consult a physician first. Most people don't have to visit doctors before starting modest exercise programs.
• I never stick with it. Aha! We knew you'd get to this one. And you're not alone.

• Be realistic. For every year you've been out of shape, it takes about a month to get back in shape. It takes about eight weeks to start feeling the physical and emotional benefits of exercise, and longer to lose weight.
• Start slowly, and don't overdo it. You should be able to carry on a conversation while exercising. If you become breathless, you're overdoing it.
• Only do things that feel fun. If something isn't fun, switch to something else.
• Find a buddy, and exercise together.
• Vary your activities so you don't get bored.
• If you increase your workout at all during your first six months, do it slowly. Don't add more than an extra five minutes a month, or extra intensity that boosts your heart rate above your target range.

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