You see, there are problems with living a life devoid of exercise - big problems.

Your weight rises along with your blood pressure and cholesterol. Your muscles and joints degenerate at an astounding rate leaving you with daily aches and pains. Your body becomes weak, making you susceptible to all kinds of medical issues.

Why should I start now? You've heard about the benefits that consistent exercise bring, but what if you haven't been consistent? Should you even start at all? This has been the subject of many medical studies and the results are unanimous: Exercise helps improve your quality of life even if you start late.

Researchers are constantly finding new benefits to consistent exercise. It's no wonder that Dr. Robert Butler of the National Institute on Aging once said, "If exercise could be put into a pill, it would be the single most prescribed medicine in the world."

Imagine if a pill could offer all of these benefits (without harmful side effects):

• Substantially reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and osteoporosis

• Decreases the risk for stroke, colon cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure

• Helps to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight

• Contributes to healthy bones, muscles and joints

• Helps relieve anxiety and depression

• Promotes well-being and reduces stress

• Is associated with fewer doctor visits, hospitalizations and medications

• Helps prevent and treat chronic medical conditions associated with old age

• Increases energy levels and promotes sound sleep

• Strengthens immune system

I know that I would take that pill, wouldn't you? Exercise may not be something that you can gulp down with a glass of water, but it will offer you all of the above benefits that can greatly enhance your quality of life.

Excuses, excuses, excuses�

I know what you are thinking. Those benefits sound great, but I can't exercise because:

• Exercise is painful - Not if you do the type most suitable for you.

• Exercise is boring - Most people who exercise find it to be quite enjoyable.

• Exercise takes too long - It only takes 30-60 minutes a day.

• Exercise is confusing - Not when you work with a trained professional (me).

• Exercise is for young people - Studies have shown that exercise is for all ages.

Get started the right way. Many people have started an exercise program only to quit days later. Now that you have decided that exercise may be worth your time after all, ensure your success by making a plan and sticking with it. Next time, I'll give you some tips and a recipe to get you started.