* aerobic exercising

3 times per week, practice an exercise that keeps your heart rate elevated for at least 30-45 minutes (ex: walking, running, cycling, swimming, aerobics, etc)

* weight training

Alternate days of aerobics with weight training. You will build muscles that will burn more calories, even when at rest!

Myth No: 2

You have to do tons of crunches.

Fact

Overuse of crunches will only shorten your abs, pull your head forward and gives you a bad posture. Do you really want to looks like Quasimodo, Hunchback of Notre-Dame?

Any standing exercise that will contract your abs will do but you should specifically target your lower back to strengthen muscles that support your spine.

The easiest exercise is sucking gut in, also known as "stomach vacuum" :

1. Exhale. Suck your gut in.

2. Maintain contraction for 10 to 20 seconds.

3. Repeat 10 to 15 times, as often as you like throughout day (for example while in shower, sitting at your desk, while driving or in bus).

Time now for YOU to take action!

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.

Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on many medical, health and lifestyle topics.

- Indecision can be defeating, but doing "anything" is better than doing nothing. There are no wrong choices and very few choices that can't be undone or done again. Can't decide on a particular exercise program or routine? Pick a few exercises and start with something simple. If you don't like it, go on to next exercise.

- When you lack confidence to start something new, take a deep breath and try to figure out why. Are you hesitating because you really lack skill or is it just imagined? If it's real, try to find out where to gain skills you need or find someone with right skills who can help. In case of exercise, finding a qualified personal fitness trainer can sometimes do trick, but be wary...some PFT's are overzealous and tend to start newcomers on programs that are too strenuous.

- Life just seems too busy to find time for some activities. Large, uninterrupted chunks of time are very hard to come by. And if we're honest, when they do come, we'd rather do something totally pleasurable! Exercise has to become part of your routine. It can't be an option. Make it a high priority just same as your career, and other areas of interest. You will be surprised at how easy exercise becomes when approached this way!

- Have you ever subconsciously (or otherwise) invited distractions so that you have a "good" reason not to get something done? Sometimes it's simple things like answering phone or sitting down to watch that "one" TV program, that distract us. When you find yourself doing this, take control of situation and make a conscious decision to do what you are avoiding.

To reap benefits of exercise, or any other health related endeavor, you must agree to become a willing participant. This will require due diligence on your part. And remember, as you embark on your mission you are investing in something near and dear to your own heart...your life and a future of healthy living.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.