Some excuses—I weigh too much, I'm too old, I have too many health problems—are in themselves strong arguments for increasing physical activity.

You can't walk across a room without huffing and puffing. Your arms get tired unpacking a bag of groceries. You're carrying more and more excess body weight. And you can't remember the last time you got any real exercise.

It is always important to talk with your doctor before starting an exercise program, particularly if you have certain health conditions.

Whether you want to run a marathon or just start exercising regularly, having a goal is an important tool.

To keep yourself entertained and enthused, wear headphones and listen to high-energy music while you work out.

Lack of physical activity has clearly been shown to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.