Next, start thinking about an activity plan. That doesn’t mean you have to jog on a treadmill or take a spin class if that doesn’t sound fun to you. There are many things that get your heart rate up and burn calories. Some tips:

• Think of things YOU like to do – that way you’re more likely to keep doing them
• Take it slow – start with five or 10 minutes of the activity and work your way up to 30 minutes at a time, five days a week (or more, if you can)
• Don’t overdo it! While you exercise, you should be able to talk, but not sing
• Check your blood sugar levels before and after exercise to confirm what you’re doing is helping
• Keep track of your activity, which will help you feel good about yourself
• Find a friend to exercise with – you can keep each other going
• Take a class at the park district or health club, perhaps something you’ve always wanted to try, such as salsa dancing, yoga or tennis
• Join an adult league and play a sport you enjoy – anything from basketball to badminton
• Mix it up – try a few different things so you don’t get bored