Tips for a Successful Exercise Program

• Set specific long-term goals, but keep short-term goals flexible.

• Reward yourself for exercising.

• Make exercise a priority by scheduling it.

• Surround yourself with reminders to exercise.

• Pick the activities you prefer in the beginning, even if they're less strenuous. Once you're exercising regularly, you can try more challenging activities.

• Work at a level that lets you feel as good when you stop as when you start.

• Don't judge the benefits only by the weight scale. Exercise has also been shown to reduce stress and fight depression.