What Does It Do For Me?
Our bodies respond to exercise in many ways. Your body adapts to exercise in the following ways (and more!):

The body burns more fat as fuel. Your metabolism rises. Your body composition improves (more muscle, less fat). Bone density increases (lowering the risk of Osteoporosis). Serum cholesterol decreases. Cells can use more oxygen so you move faster. Heart beats are slower because they're stronger. Increases energy levels throughout the day. It makes you feel great!

How To Do It Right
It's all about goals, planning, and education.

Goals
When you first begin an exercise program or change your existing one, you need to decide what you WANT. Do you want to lose weight? Do you want to strengthen and tone your upper body? Are you trying to finish a race or improve your tennis or golf game? Do you want to stop your lower back from hurting? Do you just want to stay healthy and feel good?

Write down all the things you want to get out of exercise and list them in the order of importance. Now you know what you want to accomplish.

Planning
The next step is to figure out when you're going to accomplish this. Decide how many days per week you have to devote to activity. BE REALISTIC. If you've just given birth to triplets, it may not be the time to train for your first marathon (unless you have LOTS of help!) On the other hand, don't dismiss exercising because you're 'too busy'. We are all busy. You must simply be realistic about how much time you can spare and make the commitment to spare it.

So set a schedule (20-30 minutes, 3 days a week is a good place to start if you're a beginner). Decide if it's going to be in the morning (FYI, you are most likely to stick with it if you do it in the morning), at the gym, etc. Then keep a simple log of your workouts. Record how long and what type of exercise will suffice. You'll find yourself getting a little antsy when the calendar on your fridge has a bunch of blanks in it, but it might just get you to the gym.

Education
Don't waste your time! It's so common to see folks in the gym walking on the treadmill while reading a book -- if you can read a book while walking, do you think you're working hard enough to get the results you want? Many people also use weights improperly, which can actually hurt you. If you don't know what you're doing ask someone who does (a Certified Fitness Professional, not your neighbor) or get a book to help you learn how to make the most of your time (remember how busy you are!) Generally speaking, a 45-minute workout done correctly is plenty, even for someone who's in great shape!

So set goals, plan your schedule (and stick to it), educate yourself, and get off your cell phone and exercise!

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