1. Get a partner.  Find a friend to join you in becoming more active. Exercising together will provide you both with support and encouragement to stick with exercising when you get tired or discouraged. 

2. Take a walk every day. Start small with a short walk and gradually build up to at least 30 minutes or more each day. (Or take several fifteen-minute walks). Walking with a friend or spouse will make your walks even more enjoyable.

3. Move more often.  When watching television, get up and walk around or march in place during commercials. Try hiding your remote get up each time you want to change the TV channel. At work hand deliver messages to colleagues instead of using the telephone or E-mail. If you're on the phone, get up and walk around. Dance when listening to music.

4. Take the stairs.  Try taking the steps down (and several flights up) instead of the elevator.

5. Ditch the car. Park your car several blocks away from your destination.  If you use public transportation, get off before your stop and walk the rest of the way.

6. Plan in advance. Include activities such as walking, golfing, hiking, bicycling, skating, or swimming in your vacation plans.

7. Hydrate. Be sure to drink lots of water before, during, and after you exercise. 

8. Think outside the box. Try several kinds of exercise and find ones that you really enjoy. 

Before you begin exercising, talk with your doctor to see if you should take any precautions.