Exercise is always part of a physical fitness regime. It's a word that shows up on everyone's New Years resolution after the age of 25. And as you get older, it tends to be the one resolution that gets forgotten. Staying fit during any weight loss program is important for several reasons. It burns calories. It increases metabolism. It forces you to stay hydrated. Exercise is an easy thing to turn into a habit. Start off with something easy, then add to your routine as time goes on.

It can be as simple as a thirty minute workout on a tread mill. It can be as complicated as setting a time to go to a fitness center two to three times a week. Not everyone can fit Exercise into their daily routine, but there are some simple ways you can exercise without making it a "chore":

• Park a little further way than you usually do at work and then walk to the entrance. If you are on an upper level, choose stairs over the elevator.
• Get your friends together to form a basketball team and shoot some hoops. Your local YMCA is a great source for basketball tournaments.
• Arrange for a friendly game of golf as a foursome. If you aren't a member of a golf course. There are several municipal courses around town. Same for tennis, if golf is not your game of choice.
• Your local YMCA is a great place to workout three times a week. And when you travel, check out the workout facilities and fit a 30 minute workout in your meeting day schedule, even if it is late night or early morning.
• Join a fitness center to force yourself into making exercise a part of your life. Or, do 50 situps and pushups on your floor of your bedroom.
• No matter what your favorite sport is, check out the leagues around town and join. If you have a son, there is no better way to bond than to join a team together.
• And if you don't like team sports, think about signing up for Judo, Tai Chi, or Martial Arts.

Before you embark on a new exercise routine, check with your doctor and know your limitations. Always try to stretch before and after your routine to prevent the soreness of muscles, one of the primary reasons we tend to let Exercise fall off our New Year's resolution list. It doesn't take much to turn Exercise into a daily routine. But, if you find yourself not able to keep it up, then at least put a reminder in your calendar to take an hour out of your weekend for some form of Exercise. It is as essential to your body as water or food. Just remember to stay hydrated and eat healthy choices.

Great sources for easy Exercise routines:

• www.menshealth.com
• www.prevention.com
• www.cooperaerobics.com

Great places for fitness workouts:

• www.lifetimefitness.com
• www.lafitness.com
• www.ymca.net