This page contains general information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always ask your physician or other qualified health provider about nutrition, exercise and weight loss methods before you start a new diet or program.

Top 10 Ways to Start an Exercise Program

By Taking It Off’s personal trainer Paul Plakas

#10. Don’t buy a gym membership if you won’t use it.

Only 10% of people continue going to the gym regularly after January, so pick an activity you enjoy.

#9. Find an exercise buddy or join a sports team.

Most people are more likely to be consistent in training if they have good support.

#8. Avoid weight-training machines.

These have you sit or lie in an inactive position and only work one muscle. In contrast, free weights activate stabilization muscles and allow greater range of motion.

#7. Buy a stability ball.

People who have desk jobs can lose up to 12 lbs a year by sitting on a ball instead of a chair! They’re great for isolating your core muscles, and can be used for a host of exercises.

#6. Train for a 5 km (3 mile) race.

Setting goals keeps us motivated and focused on getting fit.

#5. Cross-train.

Participating in a variety of activities and sports challenges all the muscles in the body and staves off boredom.

#4. Avoid exercises that involve sitting or lying down.

These don’t work deep core muscles, which are necessary for stabilization and avoiding injury.

#3. Live like someone from 1905, not 2005!

People at the beginning of the century were 50 to 60% more active than today. Get rid of the garage door opener and the remote control, use the stairs and get a push mower.

#2. If you want to get in better shape, push yourself to a level you’ve never reached before.

Focus on intensity, not duration when exercising.

#1. Hire a trainer.

Good professional guidance will help you get started and stay fit better than any other method.