A New Year - A New You!

A New Year. A new slate. How would you like to improve your life this year?

If you’ve not been physically active in a while, you may be wondering how to get started again. Lace up those sneakers and find some motivating ideas here.

Here are a few tips to help get you started:

* Look for opportunities to reduce couch time and to increase active time. For example, instead of watching TV, try taking a walk after dinner.

* Set aside specific times for physical activity in your schedule to make it part of your daily or weekly routine.

* Start with activities you enjoy. Some people might like walking in their neighborhood in the mornings; others might prefer an exercise class at a health club after work.

* Try working out or playing your favorite sports with friends or family to help with motivation and mutual encouragement. Share the fun!

* Start slowly and work your way up to more physically challenging activities. For many people, walking is a great way to get started.

* If you're stressed for time, break up your daily exercise goal into smaller time slots. You could break the 30-minute per day recommendation into three 10-minute sessions or two 15-minute sessions. Try to keep your shorter sessions at least 10 minutes long. For the best results - shoot for 45 minutes daily.

For many people, walking offers a great way to burn calories and stay slim.

If you live in a colder climate you may find it easier to get in some daily exercise right in the comfort of your home. Snag some inexpensive home fitness equipment and use that extra bedroom for your very own home fitness center!

Many people find their Recumbent / Rowing machine the ultimate in low impact home exercise equipment. They burn more calories in less time. And they never have to leave home!

Working out at home saves time, and money! And lets you decide when to get your exercise. Pop a favorite comedy in the DVD player and enjoy some heart healthy laughter while you burn calories and shed those extra pounds!