POSITIVE THINKING

Busy lives, stressful schedules, poor diets, inadequate sleep, not enough down time and lack of energy. Sound familiar? With all there is to do in life, something has got to give, and often it's your fitness regime.

It can be challenging to find time to work out, but the long- and short-term health benefits make it a necessary aspect of achieving optimum health. Here are some tips to help you get back on the track to making positive changes:

Start small. We've all heard the advice to park farther away or take the stairs, because it works. Set a goal to take the stairs at work every other day.

Pace yourself at the gym. Everyone is there for the same reason, so don't be ashamed if you're going a little slower. Use light weights for strength training, and limit yourself to 2-10 minutes on the stationary bike when you first start out. You'll find that your stamina will quickly improve.

Take care of yourself. Wear the proper footwear, removable layers or light clothing, and avoid dehydration by drinking more water than you think you need.

Get encouragement. Join an exercise class, hire a personal trainer, or enlist a friend for morning walks. It's more fun if you don't go it alone.