Part 1
    Most people are not active enough. Without enough exercise, we can become tired and unfit. This leaves us feeling unhealthy and less happy. Consider these points:
•    Inactive people double their risk of heart disease.
•    Inactivity is an important factor in being overweight or obese.
•    Obesity is related to illnesses like high blood pressure, diabetes, and osteoarthritis.
How will physical activity help me?
    Making physical activity a habit helps you achieve a healthy weight. Physical activity helps you develop an overall healthy lifestyle. It can also decrease your risk of getting some illnesses. Regular exercise, combined with a healthy eating program that includes whole grains, fruits and vegetables can help you:
•    Lower your cholesterol level, blood pressure, and blood sugar level
•    Achieve and maintain a healthy weight
•    Increase your energy, level and stamina
•    Sleep better, which can improve your mental alertness
•    Reduce stress
•    Improve the way you feel overall
I have a busy life––how can
I find time to exercise?
    The sooner you start being more physically active, the healthier you will feel. So do what you can. You can get most of the healthy changes from physical activity with only 30-60 minutes of exercise or routine physical activity on most, if not all, days of the week. You can perform the exercise continuouslyor intermittently throughout the day.
How do I get started?
    First, start by just moving around more. Physical activity should be progressive, with the goal of becoming more active by increasing lifestyle activities like the following:
•    Using the stairs
•    Playing actively with your kids
•    Parking your car farther away from your destination
•    Doing your own yard work
What’s next? What kind of exercise program should I follow?
    In addition to increasing your daily lifestyle activities, a regular exercise program, such as taking a walk every day can dramatically improve your fitness at any age. To start an exercise program, choose activities that interest you the most. Exercise should be fun, not a chore. The more you enjoy your exercise, the more likely you are to stick with your program. Your exercise program should include the following three areas:
1.    Aerobic activity. This is walking, jogging, swimming, cycling. hiking, roller blading, aerobic dance, or sporting games.
2.    Strength training - weight lifting, or other activities that involve working your muscles against resistance.
3.    Flexibility. This is stretching exercises, yoga, or other kinds of gentle muscle work.