Before increasing your physical activities, especially if you have been inactive or have heart or other health problems, you should see your doctor.

According to the American Medical Association, the following are “key” factors of a successful exercise program that can also help lower cholesterol levels.

Attainable

Set goals to increase your activity level by selecting a measurable amount and a deadline:
• Start walking 10 minutes a day every other day
• Build up your endurance gradually to meet a goal of 30 minutes every other day by the end of the next month

Fun

Exercise can be fun. Choose activities that you may find fun such as:
• Dancing
• Golf (skip the cart and walk the course)
• Swimming
• Hiking

Variable

Try to develop a few activities that you can do in winter and summer, no matter where you are such as:
• Walking
• Stretching
• Exercises using weights

Regular

Make exercise a part of your daily or weekly routine and stick with it. You do not need to be a marathon runner for your body to demonstrate benefits of regular exercise. Participating in the following activities can improve your fitness:
• Walking
• Swimming
• Dancing
• Tennis
• Gardening
• Bicycling (easy pace)
• Yard work