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Cool down. Slow down little by little. If you have been walking fast, walk slowly or stretch for a few minutes to cool down. Cooling down may protect your heart, relax your muscles, and keep you from getting stiff and achy.
Get support. Get a family member or close friend to be physically active with you. It will be more fun, and you can cheer each other on for moral support.
Track progress. Keep a journal of your physical activity. You may not feel like you are making progress, but when you look back at where you started, you may be pleasantly surprised!
Have Fun! Try different activities to find
ones you really enjoy and will continue to do.
Most very large people can do most physical activities. You do not need special skills or large amounts of special equipment. You CAN DO: weight-bearing activities, like walking and golfing, which involve lifting or pushing your own body weight; non-weight-bearing activities, like swimming and water workouts, which put less weight on you joints because you do not have to lift or push your own weight. If your feet or joints (knees, ankles) hurt when you stand, non-weight-bearing activities may be best for you; and lifestyle activities, like gardening, mowing
lawn, washing your car by hand, walking your dog, which do not have to be planned.
Physical activity does not have to be hard or boring to be good for you. Anything that gets you moving around--even for only a few minutes a day--is a healthy start to getting more fit. Healthy, fit bodies come in all sizes. Whatever your size or shape, get physically active now and keep moving for a healthier life!

Larry Denton is a retired history teacher living in Hobson, Montana. He is currently Vice President of an Internet business providing information on a variety of topics. For additional advice, tips and suggestions about losing weight and becoming more active, visit http://www.ObesityAide.com or http://www.DietDoor.com