As I take my walk, it's fun to see so many people jogging, biking, walking and just enjoying the out-of-doors.  On a beautiful summer morning, it seems the world is your oyster, full of promise.  I started to exercise regularly in my mid-30s when both jogging and tennis became popular.  Though I do other forms of exercise now, the habit is strong - and it can be for you too.

 Being athletic can benefit you mentally and physically.  You don't have to be an elite athlete, just someone who schedules time to do some form of exercise regularly.  One day it might be tennis, the next weights and stretches,and a third 30 minutes of jogging .  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that 80% of us do not meet the recommendations for aerobic and non-aerobic exercises.  With obesity on the rise, we need to pay attention to our exercise pattern as well as what we eat.

How can exercise help you?
To maintain a healthy weight
To strengthen your bones
To better your heart health
To reduce your stress
To lighten your mood

Okay, so you want to do this.  Here are some tips to help you get started on a healthy plan.
1)  Make exercise a habit - something you do every day or most days.  Put it on your calendar, at least while you're forming the habit.
2)  Eat healthy.  
3)  Talk yourself into achieving more, as long as you don't feel pain.
4)  Exercise with a buddy from time to time.  Friendly competition - and perhaps something like 5Ks occasionally - can make it more interesting.
5)  What should you do?   Vary your exercise, but find activities you really like.   Try running, walking, swimming, golf, hiking, tennis, yoga.  If you feel that you can't devote the time to going to a gym, then buy some weights and other basic equipment such as a jump rope, an exercise ball, or  stretchy exercise bands.  You might want to consider an exercise bike or a treadmill. You can work out your own program or have a session with a trainer who can create one for you.
6)  Check with your doctor before you start an exercise program, especially if you have heart issues or haven't exercised regularly.