At least 30 minutes of exercise daily will not only help you to lose weight - and help you to keep a healthy weight - but it will also help you:



* Make your heart and lungs stronger.

* Increase the level of HDL (good) cholesterol in your blood that helps you get rid of LDL (bad) cholesterol.

* Lower an elevated blood pressure.

* Prevent adult-onset diabetes.

* Keep your bones strong.

* Strengthen and tone your muscles.

* Improve your productivity and energy levels.

* Reduce stress.

* Reduce feelings of depression.

* Feel in control of your life.

The best time to exercise is before a meal.

Exercise should become as much a habit as eating or sleeping - which is why you have to enjoy it.

Not only does exercise help speed up metabolism, but it also help curb appetites.

That means extra calories are burned for a while after you've stopped exercising. Muscle tissue burns more calories per hour than fat tissue, so the more muscle you add to your body, the more calories you'll burn - even when you're busy doing nothing at all.

Exercise Guidelines

1. Get your doctor's OK if you're over 35 or sedentary, or if you have any health problems.

2. Take the "slow and steady" approach. It took you years to get out of shape; give yourself time to get back into shape.

3. Get at least 30 minutes of brisk exercise (preferably nonstop) daily.