Start Exercising now!

Being a couch potato, in fact, actually kills a quarter of a million people every year, according to scientists. That's how much our hearts need a workout!  While exercise became trendy in the past few decades, as a group, we Americans are no longer boosting the action. In fact, the American Heart Association states that at least a quarter of us don't exercise at all, and many of us don't do it enough.

If you are not active now—and the prospect of launching yourself into a high-intensity aerobic regimen unnerves you—take heart. Exercise doesn't have to be fierce to wave its wand of health. Researchers say that low or moderate movement, like housework, gardening, social dancing, and leisurely walks, all nurture a healthy heart and add years to your life.

The best tact is still to do a serious, aerobic activity for at least 30 minutes, at least three times a week.

Exercise has another benefit in how it controls your body weight. The truth is that 2 out of five women who are overweight actually do not exercise. Exercise isn't a cure-all, but it sure does help. In turn, a healthy weight takes strain off your heart. So, exercise can be a way to tackle two risk factors at once. If you happen to have diabetes, exercise may also be part of your regimen for keeping high blood sugar levels in check, too; that's a third risk factor you've tackled with exercise.

More than great advice, exercise is a lifestyle decision. If you put it on your to-do list this month—and keep it there—you'll be joining the ranks of people who are fighting statistics in the most personal way.