What you need to know before you exercise Don't work that body till you've read these tips

It has been drilled into our heads almost from the moment of birth that exercise is good for us. While that is most assuredly true, what the experts often fail to say is that it is equally important to find the "right" kind of exercise. Not all of us can run or jog, or even should for that matter. Some of us can't do the breathing required to accomplish Yoga either. Still others don't have the strength to lift heavy weights. So not every exercise is right for every person.

There are things that should be taken into consideration before you start exercising. The first and foremost is your health; some health issues will naturally eliminate certain types of programs, while others will require moving into an exercise routine at a slow and methodical pace, and still others will dictate the length of the program or the level at which it is practiced. It is always advisable to get physician approval before beginning exercise; that way a qualified expert can help you determine which type of program will work best for you.

The goals you hope to achieve through exercise must also be realistic. For example, it may not be feasible for a 300-pound man to lose 150 pounds in five months. That would equate to over 30 pounds a month. While not impossible with the right diet and exercise program, it will be difficult and could cause some serious self-doubt. A goal of 150 pounds in six or seven months might be a better goal. If the individual manages to achieve it earlier, that is all the better.