Make activities into social occasions --- have dinner after you and a friend work out. Set specific, short-term goals, and reward yourself when you achieve them. Don't feel badly if you don't notice body changes right away. Make activity a regular part of your day, so it becomes a habit. Read books or magazines to inspire you.

Talk to your health care provider before you start any physical activity if you have heart disease, have had a stroke, or are at high risk for them, have diabetes, or are at high risk for it, are obese (body mass index of 30 or greater), have an injury (like a knee injury), are pregnant, or are older than age 50.

Remember, don’t just sit around waiting to feel or look better, get moving and pursue your goals. Adding even a small amount of exercise to your normal day’s activities moves you another step closer to looking and feeling your best.

Copyright 2006 Dr. Eileen Silva