Exercise can help you feel better, look better and maybe even live longer. But, sometimes it's hard to get started. Getting fit doesn't have to mean spending hours at the gym or running laps until you drop. Even if you only can fit in 10 minutes here and 15 minutes there, every little bit counts.

Take an honest look at your eating habits. Each day, write down everything you eat and drink. Be sure to include all those quick nibbles. At the end of the week, your diary might surprise you.

Benefits of Physical Activity:

1. Can help keep weight under control
2. May help improve blood cholesterol levels
3. May help prevent or control high blood pressure
4. May help prevent bone loss
5. Increases muscle tone
6. Boosts energy levels
7. May help manage stress and relieve tension

Getting Started:

1. Talk with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
2. Start slowly. Don't overdo it.
3. Stay well-hydrated.
4. Ask a friend to exercise with you. It can help keep you motivated.
5. Try to make exercise a part of your daily routine.
6. If you do something fun and interesting, you're more likely to stay with it.

To help get you going, the table below gives examples of exercises and how many calories they burn. This table shows the number of calories a 154-pound person burns doing the listed activities for 30 minutes. Call for more fitness tips and get answers to any other health questions. Our registered nurses are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call us any time for more resources or information on exercising and staying fit.