HALEY HALL Staff writer

If you have always wanted to get up and be active but don’t know where to start, I can help you.

Below are tips from Real Simple by fitness guru Diana Kelly on how to start exercising and establish a fitness routine you’ll actually stick with.

1. Focus on what you love about yourself now: This will help you build your confidence up before even starting your workout routine. This will help motivate you instead of making you feel bad about yourself.

2. Take some selfies: In order to accurately track your progress, it’s helpful to identify your starting point and then define your goal.

3. Start small: The first week you’re easing back into exercising, start small. Know that any movement is good movement. Commit to doing 10 minutes of an exercise video or walking for exercise three days this week.

4. Make one change at a time: Write down five ways you are going to be healthy today. Your daily success list could include things like not drinking soda, eating more vegetables, doing 30 minutes of walking today, taking the stairs in your office once a day and drinking more water. Keep them small and achievable so you’ll be motivated by your daily victories.

5. Plan out your mornings: Starting a morning workout routine is just like establishing any other new habit: It requires some plain-old hard work and dedication. Advance prepping and planning can eliminate decisions about your workout, clothes, or what you’re eating that day—freeing up time to actually exercise.

6. Overcome the gym: The gym can be an intimidating place for many of us, and if you’re overweight, obese, or just plain inexperienced, you might be afraid that people are staring or judging you.

If you are reading this list and anything pops out to you or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at [email protected] Get started today