For some of us, the walk from the den to the kitchen to get more pretzels serves as the day's most challenging workout. Sadly, the sedentary "couch potato" has become a stereotype of modern culture, and many of us have simply gotten used to feeling run-down and generally unhealthy. It doesn't have to be that way. With a little positive thought and motivation, it's easy for anyone to start a healthy and fun exercise routine that can greatly benefit both the body and the spirit.

Ralph Brooks is the Athletic Director at the Waldorf School in Lexington, Massachusetts. He's dedicated to the promotion of sports and exercise as the way to a healthier life, and enjoys games from golf and tennis to swimming and basketball. Brooks has also competed in the world famous Boston Marathon and Iron Man triathlon competitions, and offers the following words of wisdom to those wishing to start a regular exercise regimen:

• Start today. According to Brooks, the most important step is the first one. He urges anyone hoping to feel better and more energetic to get up off the couch and start getting active today.

• Don't be intimidated. Walking into a gym or health club, many people are intimidated by the massive, muscle-bound people they see. But it's never too late to start working out, no matter what shape you're in right now. Remember to concentrate on your own progress, not those around you.

• Be patient. Some people go to a fitness center and expect to see immediate results. But Brooks reminds you that, if it took you a long time to get out of shape, it's going to take a while to get fit again, too. Don't get discouraged because you're not seeing results as fast as you'd hoped.

• Follow a routine. Make exercise a daily habit and a ritual. Work out three times a week, the same time every morning or every evening. If you stick to your schedule, Brooks virtually guarantees that you'll start feeling better.

• Don't quit. In the very beginning, you may feel sore all over, or find yourself out of breath. There may come a time when you feel like giving up, but you shouldn't quit. In the long run, Brooks says, you will feel much better and live a longer life. So get out today and start getting healthy!
  

The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
www.fitness.gov

American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
1900 Association Dr., Reston, VA 20191-1598
800-213-7193, www.aahperd.org

American Council on Exercise
4851 Paramount Dr., San Diego, CA 92123
800-825-3636, http://www.acefitness.org

The Walking Site
www.thewalkingsite.com

Running Network
www.runningnetwork.com