A lot of us don't know how to get started with exercise. We all know it's necessary, but we don't want to get up early in the morning to do it. We know that exercise is essential for a long and healthy life. I'm not just saying that either. Ask anyone who has lived to be seventy and over, they will attribute their mobility to exercising. Whether they spend time in a gym or walk 30 minutes a day, it's amazing how some of them move better than some people half their ages. They have used exercise to turn their life around.

When we exercise we get our bodies moving and we are burning calories at the same time. To lose one pound, it takes burning a total of 3500 calories. I know it sounds like a lot and you're thinking - it might as well be a million calories. But, it is not as hard as you think. Exercise doesn't have to be hard or boring. Just find something that you enjoy doing that involves movement such as gardening or walking around your neighborhood and just do it. No excuses.

I think the best thing about exercise is that it is cumulative. Which means that if you do ten minutes of walking in the morning, fifteen minutes of walking at lunch, and then another twenty minutes of walking after dinner, it all adds up to calories burned and pounds lost. Just doing that on a daily basis will benefit your muscles and your heart, which is what you want to achieve.

The question that most of us want to know is how to get started with exercise. Well, the first and most obvious one would be GET OFF THE COUCH. I know that's the hardest part for some of us, but you can do it. Starting is both good and maybe a little scary for some people. Don't ever think you can't do it, because I'm here to tell you that there is an exercise for everyone. The key is to start slowly and work your way up. It's not a race so take your time so that you can make it to the finish line with a healthy body.

Personally I believe that walking is the best overall exercise. You can do it anywhere and it works your lower and upper body. It won't hurt your knees or strain your back and it will give you an overall workout. I really think it's the best form of exercise. If you can't afford a gym membership, walk outdoors or go to the mall and walk at a good pace for 30 minutes.

You can also walk in your neighborhood or in the park. Walking will condition your heart and lungs for other exercises that you may try. You will be amazed at how great you will feel when you do this on a consistent basis. Your whole outlook about life will change. Exercise is a great stress reducer, it gives your mind something else to focus on, not just your problems. It's like free therapy. Who can resist that?

Another way to make exercise fun is to find a friend who wants to embark on this journey with you. friends can have a great impact on helping you stay focused and not give up. Working out with a friend or coworker can keep you from wimping out on those days when you feel like taking a day off. Even if you only have a partner one or two days a week, it can motivate you to work on your own the rest of the week.

There are a lot of different motivators on how to get started with exercise. One is to try a variety of exercises. Find the one that you enjoy and stick to it. When you feel that it's becoming to easy, switch and try something else. Aim for thirty minutes a day starting out and gradually work your way up to more strenuous and longer workouts. Your heart and overall body will thank you.