Perhaps one of the most common reasons people don't get enough exercise these days is due to not knowing how or where to start or just not knowing what amount of exercise is right for them. Well, here are some tips on how to get started properly and how to know how much is right for you.

Start by talking to your doctor about how much exercise is right for you. A good goal for many people is to work up to exercising 3-5 times a week for 20-45 minutes at a time. Keep in mind that any amount though is better than none. The best way to get started is to start out slowly. If you've been inactive for years, you can't run in a 10k after 3 weeks of exercising. Start with 10-15 minutes of light exercise and a brisk walk and gradually increase how long and hard you exercise from there. Use little ways to "sneak" exercise into your day like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, go for a walk during your lunch break, do housework at a brisk pace, do yard work like raking leaves or mowing the lawn or any other yard work at a faster pace.

Now here are some of the best ways to stick with an exercise program. For starters, choose something you like to do and make sure it suits you physically too. For instance, swimming is easier than walking if you have arthritic joints. Get an exercise partner, this can make it more fun. Vary your routine, this will keep you from getting bored. Walk one day, bicycle the next, swim the next and so on. Pick a good time of day. Don't exercise right after eating or if it's too hot or cold outside. Wait for a time of day when you feel your best ready for exercise. Don't get discouraged, it can take weeks or even months before you notice some of the changes from exercise. Forget "no pain, no gain", this is a redicules statement! Some soreness is normal when you first start exercising, pain isn't. stop if you hurt.

Making exercise a habit is one of the best ways to keep yourself going. Exercise at a regular time everyday, sign a contract to yourself to exercise making you accountable to yourself to do it. Put "exercise appointments" on your calendar and keep a daily log of your activities. Monitor your progress. Can you walk farther and or faster now than last week? Last month? Remember, the best exercise for you is the one that you will do. Walking is one of the best exercises because it's easy, safe and costs nothing to do. Brisk walking can burn as many calories as running and requires nothing but a good pair of shoes. Always keep in mind that once you start making regular exercise part of your daily routine, it becomes part of you and begins to get easier and easier to the point of being automatic to maintain as part of your life.