Exercise Program for
Couch-Potatoes

OK, so maybe you haven't kept up on your exercise

regime in, say, 10 years. That's OK, as long as you

recognize the need to get back into shape.

If you are just beginning an exercise program, there are some important pointers and recommendations that will help.

Step one: walking. Walking is the simplest exercise. And, even if you've gotten so out of shape that hoisting yourself out of bed makes you sweat, there are still walking exercises for you. For example, you may want to try walking in a swimming pool. This will provide an excellent workout, and it will not be too strenuous on your joints.

Weight-lifting not your thing? Don't feel like pumping iron in front of the body-builders in the gym? Here's an easy weight-lifting exercise for the beginner: lifting soup cans. Sounds silly, but if you hold the soup cans out to your sides and make cirles with your arms, you'd be amazed at how well it will work your arm muscles.

Don't take your exercise routine lying down. Or, maybe you can. How 'bout some tummy-crunches while you're watching soap operas or Sunday football? Just lie on your back, lift your feet off the ground and hold them a few inches off the ground. Continue for as long as possible. Feel the burn.

Whatever the exercise, make sure you take is slowly at first. You do not want to hurt yourself or burn out on your routine because you tried too much too soon. As you proceed, add more to your routine. Take longer walks; or choose more hilly paths. Maybe you decide to buy a small set of real weights. Every little bit will count, but the key is to stick to it.