How do I get the confidence to start exercising regularly?

Many people find it hard to take the plunge and start exercising regularly. The good news is that it's easier to keep up once you get into it. You'll notice the benefits right away and you'll start to look and feel better. If you're always too tired to exercise, you'll find that it actually gives you more energy, and it really will change your life.

Start by becoming more active in your everyday life. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, cycle to work or go for a walk at lunchtime; little bits of exercise throughout the day soon add up! The great thing is you can vary your activities according to your mood or the weather.

Go for a walk with a friend or family member, play in the park with the children or the dog or go for a swim with a friend.You don't have to join a gym to get regular exercise. Lots of people enjoy gardening, dancing or team sports like football. If you feel self-conscious about exercise, find out if there are any single-sex gyms, or swimming pools, near you, or any local walking clubs that you can join. You can always take a friend with you for support.

There are three different intensities of exercise; light, moderate, and vigorous. It's important to remember that you should be eventually aiming to significantly increase your heart, and breathing rates, through vigorous exercise, in order to gain the full range of benefits of regular activity.

However, if you haven't exercised in the past (or for some time), before starting an exercise program, you should visit your doctor for a physical check up. You should also build up gradually, and be aware that everyone is different, and what might be easy, or moderate exercise for one person, may be vigorous for another.

Don't make excuses! Keep reminding yourself what your goals are and reward yourself when you achieve them.