FAQ

Q: Where do I start? (Start Smart™)

Decide what type of movement you enjoy (i.e. walking, swimming, golfing)
Determine the amount of activity you are doing currently
Increase your current amount of activity by a little bit - It should be noticeable that the activity level has changed, but not so noticeable that you dislike it.
If you increase your amount of activity too much you may not continue your fitness plans/goals for life
Choose an activity that you can enjoy and use that activity to move toward your lifetime goal of staying fit
Don't exercise until it hurts. Exercise until it feels good and then stay there for awhile.
Like anything else in life, you have to start slow and build up your fitness level with time.
Start with short time periods of exercise. Something is always more than nothing.

Ask your self what your favorite hobbies are (don't have to be exercise related)
Once you find what you like, start moving more when you do those activities. (i.e. working in your yard - use a push lawn mower rather than a riding lawn mower, or rake your own lawn rather than hiring someone else to)
The bottom line is you should not dread exercise because you hate the way you exercise. If you hate running - don't run. Find an activity that you get excited about.

Start with an open mind
You need to be willing to learn and continue a lifetime of fitness - from this will come self esteem and you will feel better
Clothing that you feel comfortable in and ensure the clothing you wear is not distracting to your workout (i.e. uncomfortable shirt that you continually tug at)
A comfortable and supportive pair of shoes

Continually add variety to your activity (i.e. after you have been walking for awhile try biking or even changing the place where you walk can add motivation and encourage continuation of your activity). This will help keep your mind fresh and will enable you to progress in your lifelong fitness goals.
Be curious about other types of activity and exercise.
Experiment with different ways to achieve fitness goals.
You started exercising with short periods of time. Now start adding small bits of time to your workout (i.e. Try biking for an extra 15 min per week and see how you feel)
Variety can also include breaking up your workouts. Try taking two 15 min walks per day rather than one 30 min walk. You can also work on cardio exercise for part of your workout and then finish with a strength workout.
Try to do some kind of exercise everyday. This can be more beneficial than doing a long hard workout 3-4 days a week.

Eat what you like, but in moderation
Try to eat fresh "alive" foods with nice dark coloring (i.e. colorful fruits and vegetables)
You need protein, carbohydrates and fat - don't cut any of them out of your diet. Again, eat each of these in moderation.
Vary your diet to keep it exciting and watch your portions. You don't need to eat everything on the plate.
When you are hungry...eat.
When you are finished eating, you should feel light not heavy.
Try to stay away from processed food
Be honest about what you eat and then work with that.

Equipment that motivates you and that you enjoy using
Equipment that fits your budget
If you purchase exercise equipment that is less expensive...you will receive equipment that is less reliable.
All equipment needs to complement your activity.
Not all of your fitness goals and issues will be solved with a piece of equipment. The equipment is the tool. You are the driver.
The equipment is not your motivation. Feeling better is your motivator.
Try the equipment you think you will like. If you end up not liking it...don't buy it.
Your equipment purchase doesn't need to be expensive. You can purchase equipment such as medicine balls, dumbbells and fit balls at low costs and see great results.
Having equipment that allows you to work on both your strength and cardiovascular health is optimal.
Place equipment in an area that you like to spend time in (i.e. don't place your treadmill facing a corner. Rather, place your treadmill in front of the TV or overlooking your favorite view from your home)

Your primary motivator should be how you feel compared to how you USED to feel.
Your weight should not be your primary motivator. Weight is not always the best representation of your fitness level.
Having more energy, better self esteem, and being able to achieve daily tasks without pain are all wonderful motivators.
Keep reasonable life long goals. Short term goals will come to an end and then where will your fitness plans go?
Life long goals encourage continued fitness and motivation.