Now that January is gone and February is here, you should have your exercise program well underway. Well, for some you have stayed with your exercise program while others have either stopped or never got started. Here are a few tips to help motivate you to either get back on the band wagon or start exercising.

Research shows that being active helps you function better and maintain your independence. It also helps to reduce your risk for getting some diseases, such as diabetes as well as helps manage health problems.

Exercising is much easier when you have a partner to help give you encouragement. That partner could be a friend or family member.

Are you one of those that use excuses like “I don’t have time to exercise 30 minutes a day”? Just do as much as you can. You don’t have to be active the entire 30 minutes at first. Do 10 minutes a day and gradually add more time until you get to 30 minutes. Spread out your activities throughout the day.

Don’t like to exercise in a group? If you are like me, I don’t like group exercises. Select an activity that you can do on your own such as walking outside or follow an exercise program on TV. I enjoy walking at the park, especially now that it is getting warm outside.

Physical activity is boring. Find an activity that you enjoy and make it fun. If you like being around people when you exercise, ask a friend or family member to help you get and stay motivated.

Walking hurts my knees and I have bad balance. There are chair dancing videos that you can purchase. When chair dancing, you can get a good workout. You can also build your muscles by using cans of foods or filled water bottles as weights.

You tell yourself that you can’t afford to join a fitness center or buy expensive equipment. Buy yourself a good pair of walking shoes and thick socks and start walking.

You tell yourself that you don’t have the right clothes to wear for physical activity. Any comfortable clothing with work. Just make sure your shoes fit well and your socks don’t irritate your skin.

Afraid you will get low blood glucose? Talk to your doctor about how to exercise safely if you are taking medication that can cause low blood glucose.

Once you beat your barrier to physical activity, make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

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