Make it a habit Lack of time is a common excuse for skipping your workout, so you've got to make exercise a priority in your schedule, says Janette Janero, a personal trainer and group fitness director at Florida International University and The University of Miami Wellness Center. "I recommend setting aside one hour for walking and 15-second stretch holds for each major muscle group at the end of the workout," she says. "Setting aside this time every day will help you get used to incorporating exercise into your schedule, even if it is not at a high intensity just yet. Routine helps condition muscles to be prepared to handle cardio activity."
for me it's all about doing something that you enjoy (at least a bit) - so you can go back for more or better. i love dancing and choreographed classes, so i do more of those than body toning. not ideal (theoretically) but i'd rather do things that i love than nothing at all
I've definitely been super-slacking on my physical fitness this week :( ...I never stretch before working out. I do some light cardio and get right to it!
Good advice for beginners, but I don't entirely agree with the tip about not stretching until after your workout. I've read this before about how it's bad to stretch cold muscles, but if I DON'T stretch before a run, I get shin pain every single time.