If you need some extra motivation to start or continue an exercise program, you are not alone. Fortunately, there are so many benefits to living a physically active life, one of these reasons is likely to strike a cord with you!

Improve Your Quality of Life:

Exercise will not only extend the length of your life; it will improve your quality of living. You will be less likely to develop osteoporosis, cancer, arthritis and chronic diseases associated with obesity.

Exercise will make everyday physical activities easier! Things like carrying grocery bags, vacuuming, and walking up stairs will be much less of a challenge when exercise is part of your life.

If weight loss is a goal, keep in mind that the more exercise you get, the more lean mass (muscle) you will have. So not only will you look more toned, you will also burn calories much more efficiently!

Here are some motivational tips for starting your exercise program:

Start slowly, both with the number of different exercises you do and length of time you spend at each session

Use visualization daily: visualize yourself completing a great work out

Take responsibility for your emotional and physical health

Schedule, prepare and plan your exercise: make a regular appointment with yourself

Set realistic goals

Make exercise a Top Priority

Keep a daily exercise log

Enjoy your workouts

Don't feel guilty when you miss a session or two; negative feelings hinder motivation

Believe in yourself: You CAN do it!

Here are some motivational tips for continuing your exercise routine:

Exercise at a new time of day

Break up your workout: aerobic workout in the morning then strength train and stretch at night

Try new moves, exercises, or sports: take a new aerobics class, try Tai Chi, or try cross-country skiing—variety is the spice of life

Recruit a family member, work associate, or friend as an exercise partner

Create distractions while you workout: exercise to your favorite music or television show

Finally, if you miss a week or two, or more—don't beat yourself up over it. It is never too late to get started again, and remember: this happens to the best of us.