Starting an
Exercise Program

Massage and an exercise program are a great combination. They both relieve stress, improve your health, and help you feel better. More exercise articles.

If you are just starting to exercise, here are some guidelines recommended by fitness experts. It's advisable to get your physician’s approval before you begin, especially if you have a heart condition or are recovering from a serious illness or injury.

• Build your exercise program slowly to decrease the chances of injury and discouragement. For example, begin walking at a moderate pace for 5-10 minutes, and gradually work your way up to 20 minutes or more. It’s creating the habit that’s most important. As exercise becomes a regular part of life, it becomes a reward in itself.


• When beginning a new form of exercise, whether it’s yoga or tennis, get some instruction. Qualified instructors can help you use your body correctly, progress quickly, and avoid injuries.


• Consider a water exercise plan. It can be effective for both improving fitness and losing weight, no matter what your age or physical condition.


• Yoga, tai chi, and martial arts can be very helpful for back pain and fibromyalgia. They also improve flexibility, coordination, posture, and stress management.


• Try different approaches to your exercise program. If you find it hard to walk consistently, sign up for a weight-training or water aerobics class. Different fitness activities appeal to each of us. If you are an outdoor person, you may prefer the trail to the swimming pool, but if you’ve always liked to dance, you may want to sign up for a dance or other movement class. Ask about classes and instructors in the community.


• Include some weight-bearing exercise in your routine to help prevent osteoporosis. To maintain bone strength you need to move muscles and bones against gravity. When you do weight-bearing exercise your bone adapts to the impact of the weight by building more cells and becoming stronger.


• If you are sore after exercising, take a hot bath or shower, and include a few stretches after your workout. You can also get a massage in the hours after you exercise. Massage can help tight muscles let go and recuperate faster.

More Exercise Program Resources

Active Videos is a great source for a wide selection of exercise, workout, dance, and sports videos, including Karate, Prenatal Exercise, Recovery/Limited Mobility, Seniors' Dance & Exercise, Baseball, Basketball, Fly Fishing, Football, Golf, Outdoor Sports & Recreation, Tennis, Weight Training, and much more.

Exercise Equipment Reviews - Exercise equipment reviews and ratings.

Stretching Handbook - Improve your athletic performance and reduce your potential for injuries.

Winsor Pilates - Tone and sculpt your body.

Women's fitness and health tips from a Certified Personal Fitness Trainer and Nutrition Consultant.