While counting calories is at the core of every diet designed to lose weight (or to gain weight, for that matter), exercise is another key component. However, exercise often seems so much more daunting that merely controlling what we eat. Exercise takes effort and planning. It can be difficult and painful. Why subject yourself to all of that?

Because it’s good for you, that’s why. Besides, exercise is not all that difficult or painful. You can incorporate it into your lifestyle in a way that fits your natural rhythms. You can choose activities that you actually enjoy.

The basic math should be enough incentive to exercise more. Exercising burns calories. Food adds calories. The more you exercise, the more you can eat. In a diet plan, a combination of eating less (or smarter) and exercising more will result in a net loss in calories, which translates into weight loss.

Fitness is another great benefit of exercising. Toning your muscles makes you feel better and look better. Your body becomes stronger and able to exercise better, longer. Exercise also stimulates brain chemistry that makes you feel better. Exercising is great!

Here are some ideas that could get you started on your own exercise regimen.

Start Slowly

First, remember that all physical activity can be interpreted as exercise. Simple actions like walking, biking, and climbing stairs are exercise. Try adding these to your daily life whenever practical. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk instead of driving short distances.

Build Slowly

If you decide to use exercise equipment, begin with smaller machines when you are in the initial stages of your workout. Small muscles wear out before the big ones, which why it’s a good idea to start lifting barbells or dumbbells before tackling the larger machines.

Stretch

Stretch the targeted muscles between sets. You should stretch for at least 20 seconds before getting into your exercise. Research has shown that this helps increase your strength faster. Stretching can also reduce your chance of pulling a muscle or having an injury.

Variety

Mix up your workout routine with plenty of different exercises. This can help you get focused and motivated so you keep coming back for the next workout.

Use Proper Form

It is vital that you walk the proper form. Walk with both shoulders angled back. Your elbows should fall at 90-degree angle. Make sure your arms swing deliberately in opposition with your leg movements.

When doing any workout, be sure to exhale following each repetition of your given exertion.

Increase Repetitions

When you are lifting weights, you will help develop muscle mass if you do a lot of repetitions (reps) with light weights rather than doing fewer reps with heavy weights. Muscle mass is not all about being able to lift the most, but to endure the longest without losing strength.

Count Down

When doing repetitions that require counting, you should count down instead of up. This will help you know how many more you have left and keep you motivated to finish.

Many people find their motivation in seeing results, of course. Rather than constantly weighing yourself, try wearing clothes that are slightly too tight instead. This makes you aware all day long how your diet and exercise regimen is progressing. As your clothes become comfortable to wear, switch to even tighter clothing.

Play Games

Playing is a fantastic way to get fit. You can burn calories and gain strength while competing with your friends and having a great time.

Improve your own contact skills when training for playing volleyball, tennis, basketball, flag football, or even just a spirited game of tag. Try engaging in an entirely different sport like foosball. Exercise new muscles and improved hand-eye coordination by switching up your games.

Be Spontaneous

Incorporate fitness into your daily activities. If you are picking up toys from the floor, take some time to do a few lunges. Push-ups would also be good thing to toss in. When going up stairs, put a little bounce in your step and jog up the stairs. When unpacking groceries, do a few reps with the heavier items.

The tips and advice offered above were designed to give you an easy head start into the world of fitness. This will give you an excellent foundation to build on and reach even higher goals. You can have better health longer if you practice these tips regularly.