So you have to start an exercise program. What are you going to do? How are you going to exercise?

Well the type of exercise you do largely depends on you. What do you like doing? What do you hate doing? Do you have to pay membership fees? Do you need a training partner? Do you need to buy equipment?

These are all questions you need to answer.

If you choose something that you dont like doing, youre not going to keep doing it for long. Think about it, if you dont like jogging youre hardly going to keep dragging yourself out of bed at 6am, especially when winter comes around! If you cant find something you like, just choose the thing you hate the least. This is usually walking.

Walking is great because it suits all fitness levels. Anyone can start a walking program at any time, its just the intensity and duration that differs. Walking is also very social. Its not hard to find a training partner to chat to while you exercise. This also makes the time go faster.

Whatever exercise you do, starting at a low intensity and building it up over a number of weeks is essential to the longevity of your exercise program. If you start too hard you could get an over-use injury such as shin-splints, and then youll have to take time off to get over it.

If you are really unfit, start by walking for 10 minutes each day. Increase it by 5 minutes every 2 weeks.

To make it more interesting try walking a different course every few days. You can also roster a different friend to walk with you each day of the week.

If walking is not for you then you may like to try a fitness centre. They have loads of variety and usually have trainers on hand to answer any queries you might have. When choosing a fitness centre, make sure they give good service. If theyre not willing to treat you well before you join, then they certainly arent afterwards! Also make sure that their equipment is well serviced. Its easy to find out, just listen when the machines are being used. If they squeak a lot, or make a grinding noise, then theres a fair chance that theyre not looked after.

If youre still not sure what you should do, then why not consider tennis or golf? There are social competitions in most areas and you may find a few new friends. Tennis is great for fitness and its a great social activity but its not for someone who is just starting out. If you havent exercised in a long time then youre better off finding something a little easier.

Whatever you decide on, it must be something that you enjoy. Find that type of exercise and youll be well on the way to the new you!