The greatest leap in fitness you will ever make will not be when you progress from running 3 miles to 10 miles a day, it will not be when you go from climbing 10 flights of stairs to climbing 20 flights daily, either.  The greatest leap in increased fitness that any of us will ever make is when we go from doing nothing for our health to doing something, heck, ANYTHING.   This according to author and host of the syndicated radio program the Dr. Dean Edell Show.

Getting Started

Exercise for Mental Health

Regular exercise can help you feel good mentally, as well as physically. Exercise promotes self-esteem, and reduces feelings of stress and anxiety.

The Wonders of Walking

Once considered "too easy" to be real exercise, walking is now recognized as one of the best ways to get in shape.

Did you know walking and running both burn about the same amount of calories? That means if running is a little too high-impact for you, you can still get the same benefits from walking. Walking one mile in 15 minutes burns about as many calories as jogging a mile in 8 1/2 minutes. And, in weight-bearing exercises like walking, a heavier person will burn more calories than a light person. In fact, a 110-pound person will burn about half the calories as a 216-pound person. This makes walking a great way to jump-start your fitness plan.

Source: The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports

Exercise Myths

Many people are wary of beginning an exercise program because they just aren't sure it's really going to help them. Here's the truth behind some common exercise myths.

Myth: Exercising makes you tired.

Truth: While exercising may wear you out at first, once you become more physically fit, most people actually report more energy. Exercise also helps reduce stress and fatigue.

Myth: Exercising will take up too much of my time.

Truth: You can become more physically active by adding 30-60 minutes of exercise to your routine 3 to 4 times per week, but this time doesn't have to come all at once. If you are really busy, try to find two 15-minute periods in the day to go for a walk, or do some other physical activity. You will probably find you enjoy these exercise breaks, and you will make them a regular part of your day.

Myth: All exercises give you the same benefits.

Truth: Different exercises do have different benefits. While any activity (even low-intensity ones) can benefit your overall health, brisk, sustained exercises (like swimming, brisk walking, or jogging) are necessary to improve your heart and lung efficiency, and substantially burn calories. Other exercises are designed to do still other things, like build muscle strength, or increase your flexibility.

Myth: You have to be athletic to exercise.

Truth: Many beneficial exercises to not require any special skills. Walking, one of the best exercises you can do, doesn't require anything but a sturdy pair of shoes! As you become more physically fit, you may develop the confidence to try more complex activities.

Source: The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports