Get Moving: Exercise and Fitness Basics

By Jennifer R. Scott, About.com Guide to Weight Loss

Exercise is such an important part of good health, no matter how long it's been since you last worked out -- or even if you haven't exercised at all -- it's never too late to start. Plus, regular physical activity is an absolute necessity when it comes to long-term weight loss success. These resources will help you get started.

1. Get Started
2. Exercise for Beginners
3. Walking for Weight Loss

Get Started

Why should you become more active? What's so important about exercise, anyway? Learn why you need to get moving -- it will motivate you to keep moving.

• How Exercise Benefits Your Health & How to Begin
• 6 Benefits of Regular Exercise
• How to Start Exercising and Increase Activity

Exercise for Beginners

Whether you've never exercised before or have just been inactive a while, exercise is so important to your health that the time to get moving is right now. Learn the basics of exercise here including walking, swimming, joining a gym, and more.

• Exercise for Absolute Beginners: Walking
• Exercise for Absolute Beginners: Indoor Bikes
• Exercise for Absolute Beginners: Swimming
• What You Need to Know About Joining a Gym

Walking for Weight Loss

Walking is the perfect exercise for beginners -- no special skills are required, no equipment is needed and almost anyone can do it! Check out these resources that will help you get started.

• Walking for Weight Loss: Start Today!
• How to Begin a Walking Program