To help you get started and keep going, here are three ways to approach exercise and physical activity.

1. Include Physical Activity in Your Everyday Life

• Make it a priority: Being active is one of the most important things you can do each day to maintain and improve your health.
• Make it easy: If it’s difficult or costs too much, you probably won’t be active. You are more likely to exercise if it’s easy to do.
• Make it social: Enlist a friend or family member.
• Make it interesting and make it fun: Do things you enjoy and pick up the pace a bit.
• Above all, make it an ACTIVE decision!

2. Try All Four Types of Exercise

Most people tend to focus on one activity or type of exercise and think they’re doing enough. The goal is to be creative and choose exercises from each of the four types— endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. Mixing it up will help you reap the benefits of each type of exercise, as well as reduce boredom and risk of injury.

3. Plan for Breaks in the Routine (Life Happens!)

Remember to always talk to your doctor before undergoing any serious life changes that can affect health such as a new exercise routine.

These tips were borrowed from the NIH’s National Institute on Aging, but they are great tips regardless of age. For the complete write-up, please visit the National Institute of Aging’s website here.