Get a move on throughout the day! Do enough exercise to make you breathe a little harder. A few minutes here and there can soon add up to the 30 minutes recommended minimum. You don't have to suit up or climb on an exercise machine to get the benefits of activity.

 

Balance your activity so that you're still able to talk while you're exercising, but not as easily as you could, sitting down or just standing. If you are unable to talk, then you are over exerting yourself. You will become fitter through constant movement and use of your muscles. Your bones will become stronger, too.

 

Don't forget the stretching. This will help with flexibility and enable you to move more easily. Do walk around a bit to warm up your muscles—stretching exercises should be done at the end of your workout so you don’t hurt or damage any muscles. If you save your stretching to the end of your workout, your muscles will be “warmed up” already and you’ll find that your flexibility is increased with each stretch exercise!

 

Work on your balance. Begin by standing on one foot, bracing yourself with one arm. Set yourself the target of standing on one foot at a time without holding on to a support. A few minutes at a time is good practice. You will see a marked improvement in your overall balance.

 

If your main occupation has been “couch potato” for several months, you'll want to start exercising gradually. Gradually increase your exercises and energy levels. Before you know it you will have more energy and vitality!

 

You hear personal trainers emphasizing this mantra to their clients, "Breathe! Breathe!" For some strange reason, we tend to hold our breath when exercising. What you want to get into the habit of is breathing out while your muscle is working, and breathing in when it relaxes. So as you're lifting something, breathe out as you lift; breathe in when you stop. At first, constant reminders are needed.

 

Drink plenty of water when you're doing activities that make you sweat so you don’t risk dehydration. Dehydration can be measured by pinching the skin on the back of your hand—if you can grab it when you make a fist and it (the skin) stays “up,” you’re dehydrated. You may also feel dizzy, tired, and be more prone to headaches. So stay hydrated!

 

Exercise shouldn't cause you pain. Feeling tired after exercise is normal, if you are in physical pain and hurting then you have overdone it. Resting aching muscles the next day is important, so nothing strenuous, take it easy. Alternate cold and heat on the aching area, and if your doctor Okays it, take ibuprofen to relieve the pain.