How do you get started with a workout routine?

When I was out of shape, all I felt was insecure and the depression led me to eating more than I need. I knew I had to start losing weight but every morning I wake up, my body suddenly starts to ache from sitting in front of the computer too long or from walking around in heels too much... or so I tell myself. In other words, when it comes to exercise, it's been awhile.

The hardest part about running is getting up and doing it. I didn't just just get up one day and start running for an hour and doing so everyday. I first started out in-line skating.

The trick is to begin with a sport that you love. We often focus on reasons why we can't, or won't exercise. Yet the most important thing is WHY you do want to. Are you trying to lose weight? Build strength? Or improve your overall health?

FOCUS. Keep your mind focused on WHY you want to start working out when you feel your motivation waning.

START SLOWLY. Begin your workouts gradually, or you risk burnout or injury. Begin walking a mile or two, then gradually increase your pace and distance. After you feel your body beginning to shape up, you can start with other forms of higher intensity exercise.

BE REALISTIC. Be realistic about what to expect and you'll begin to feel changes in your body and endurance within a few weeks. Set goals you know you can achieve in the next few days after you start working out and when you're seeing results, I promise, you'll only be addicted.

FOOD INTAKE. You cannot expect to lose weight if you're working out AND still eating fried food and sweets. The way around this is to avoid these foods on days you are working out (say, weekdays) and only have A DAY (or two) or eating only what you crave (say, on weekend/s).

I understand it is hard at first. Especially the part where I have to give up my sweets but trust me, it's worth the temporary sacrifice!