What Kind of Exercise Should I Start With?

Simply put, any exercise is better than none. The exact regimen depends on what kind of shape you're in now - your age, stamina, weight, and whether or not you are already used to a certain amount of physical activity.

If your lifestyle over the past two years has been mainly sedentary, you have fifty or more pounds to lose, or find yourself a bit out of breath after one flight of stairs, you might want to start with a yoga program of 15 to 20 minutes a day. (There are a number of excellent, low cost videos available). After ten or twelve days, add five minutes of other exercise three times a week - take a walk down the block, or park further away from the door at the mall. Then, as the pounds come off and your body adapts to your new level of exertion, increase your physical activity; walk further, dance, begin a low-impact aerobic class. Aim for 20 to 30 minutes of exercise three or four times a week - daily, if you can.

Remember, don't overdo; if you push too hard, you'll abandon an exercise plan because your muscles ache too badly to contemplate it. You want to be a bit tired after your session, not collapsed in agony.