Your "Get Active" Starter Kit

What's holding you back from getting active? Ongoing recommendations by the experts say to get moving for weight loss, to prevent disease, to improve the quality of your life, and even to reduce the need for certain medications. But with two thirds of the adult population overweight or obese, it's clear there are a lot of people experiencing roadblocks to an active lifestyle.

Experts say that the individuals most successful at maintaining a regular exercise or activity program are those who genuinely like their choices. The selections need to really match your personality, your work schedule and possibly your health needs and the experience should also be enjoyable. Here are some of the most common roadblocks accompanied by some solutions and a kit to help you get started.

I am too overweight to even consider a sport or activity and I feel embarrassed when I try.

It is extremely hard to join a sports group or even exercise in public when you personally feel mortified or just uncomfortable about your size. Some people like Kirstie Alley get so fed up with their inability to get motivated, that they take an offer like a Jenny Craig commercial and bank on the pressure of public view to spur their commitment. For others, a private activity is the best match. The bottom line is that there is a way to cope with your size and self esteem issues and get active.

Consider this starter kit: Get some walking DVDs from Leslie Sansone that you can do in the privacy of your home. After two weeks, add another DVD that has a beginner free weight/cardio program. Continue to add DVD options with a mix of variety until you've lost enough weight to feel comfortable "taking it outside." Keep a get active journal so you can track your progress and emotional feelings along the way. You'll feel proactive and in control. Just get started!

I work grueling hours that barely let me eat and sleep, let alone, consider exercising or engaging in a sport.

There may be times in your life when activity has to take a back seat to professional and personal obligations. But if you allow that attitude to guide your life, you'll always have an excuse. So make the commitment to carve out some "activity time."

Follow this starter kit: Introduce activity like walking in small spurts during your weekdays. Use a short workday break or mid-day lunch period to squeeze in some power walking or movement. Create a weekend window on Saturday and Sunday for fun activities like biking, beach running, in-line skating or take a fun class at a local gym and make 'weekend friends'. They can be your reason to keep up your weekend activities, a sort of mini pressure reason to show up — which you ultimately enjoy. The accumulation of daily activity, plus the weekend boost, will have a huge impact over time.

I can't find something I like enough to keep me sticking with it long term.

There are probably more than 100 sports, exercise disciplines, dance options to choose from so I assume you've tried them all, right? Well if not, now's the time to begin the adventure. I have had so much fun over the years trying new sports and finding the ones that fit with my available time and my personality. I've discovered that I love low impact/dance and aerobics, boxing, tennis and running. So I incorporate all these loves into a weekly routine. It defies boredom, keeps me challenged, allows me harder and easier days of activity and each requires a different time commitment.

For your starter kit: Explore your local community center and gyms for innovative classes; remember the sports and activities you liked as a kid and resurrect them. Rent some DVDs and try some new exercise options. Get daring and try ballroom dancing, ballet or hip-hop. Agree to try one new activity a week for 8 weeks. Find a friend or an exercise buddy and make plans to play tennis, go for a run, bike or put together weekly beach volleyball games.

All the sports and activities I like require expensive equipment, a membership fee or some costly purchase.

Creativity here is the name of the game. Investigate gently used equipment like tennis racquets, baseball bats, and golf clubs. There are deals online and at outlet stores. Be a savvy shopper and look for deals on gym memberships too. I had a friend who wanted to join a club and she found the cheapest price in another state online for a nationwide gym. Look for garage sales and estate sales, but assess used equipment carefully. Garage sales are also a great place to find exercise DVDs for a couple of dollars. Ask your local gym manager to let you know when they are selling used equipment.

A great starter kit: Check out local community centers and universities for pro-rated classes, free classes and opportunities for you to be a "guinea pig" for students majoring in exercise physiology.

I just gave birth and I'm dealing with sleep deficit and overwhelming responsibilities; adding in activity to my day sounds like a punishment.

I remember what it felt like to run a household, nurse and care for my newborn and work a 6 am to 2 pm shift at the hospital. I was always exhausted and carrying quite a bit of post-partum weight. The single most helpful decision I made was to commit to finding 30 minutes, 4 times a week. Sometimes it was a power walk with my newborn in a stroller. Other times, I would do a quick free weight routine and crunches as soon as my son began his nap and then still have an hour and a half to also nap or do household chores. I'd also work out right after a feeding, since he'd be pretty content with a full belly. When he was a bit older, I used a co-op babysitting system with friends to get to a class or just have some free time to go for a run. We'd also play right along with our children at the park.

Your starter kit: Go for a power walk with your baby in a stroller two to three times a week; consider starting a stroller walking group; ask a family member or friend to baby sit once a week so you can take a class and pre-pay the series so you don't cop out.

Whatever your roadblock or excuse - just get moving!