A lot of people in their lifetime will try a dozen different fad diets, and at least as many nutritional supplements. Some will even try all sorts of wacky alternatives. But, getting out there to exercise is the real challenge for most of us. The key is to find an effective exercise for weight loss plan that works for you. That can really make a difference as to whether you lose weight or not.

We can't escape the fact that proper diet has to be accompanied by physical activity, whether it is walking 30 minutes a day or working out at the gym. If your goal is good health and an attractive body, then diet is essential, but exercise is also an important part. You really can't have one without the other. They go hand and hand. Diet provides the proper fuel, but exercise uses that fuel to generate health and fitness.

You don't have to become a fitness fanatic to benefit from exercise. You don't have to walk 10 miles a day or run 20 miles a week to get healthy. There are several simple exercises you can begin with today. You can start each day with a gentle stretching routine of at least 10 minutes before doing any vigorous training. A 20-minute walk every other day is a great beginning for those not used to exercise.

Just remember, start slow and build up your strength. Most of us that are new to exercise get discouraged and quit too soon because we try too hard at first. If you start too fast or push to hard, soreness and/or sometimes injury can occur. If you get injured, the motivation to exercise goes spiraling down. So basically nothing gets accomplished.

You can start your exercie program with some light weight training, using 5lb, 10lb, then 20lb weights. Maybe try some curls, squats and other exercises that are simple. See what feels comfortable to you. Then add a 10-minute jog, then a 20-minute jog, then try for 30-minutes.

Once you hit an hour-long run, you're into the serious workout category. For those who don't enjoy jogging or running, walking is also an effective exercise for weight loss and just an all around great way to get moving.

Investing in some exercise equipment may help you get motivated. There's a lot of equipment out there to choose from. Even the prices are becoming pretty reasonable. Some people though will need the social stimulus of a gym to keep their will power up. Which ever you choose, don't let your money go to waste.

Make a commitment to regular workouts, and stick with it, whether at home or when you are away. If you do join a gym, don't be shy. Take advantage of the expertise of more experienced fitness enthusiasts and the staff. If you can afford a personal trainer, go for it!

To lose weight, it's important to be sure to include some cardiovascular exercises in your routine. It can be running, cycling or anything that you enjoy doing. In order to tone muscles and tighten the lose skin that can result from a major body fat reduction, you'll need to add resistance and weightlifting exercises. This can really help tighten and tone your muscles. You can use stretchers, rope and pulley or other equipment to supply the resistance. Weight machines are great for lifting exercises.

When you get into a routine, you may not actually lose weight. If you're not obese but merely overweight, you may not see much loss at first. As the fat deposits get reduced in our bodies, the difference can be made up by gaining muscle mass. Sometimes it pays not to focus to much on the numbers that the scale shows. Just remember, as you lose fat, you will gain muscle.

Try to aim for a pound a week for weight loss, but no more than two pounds a week for healthy weight loss. Just realize that these things take time.

As you reduce excess body fat and tone your muscles, you'll experience many side benefits beyond a more attractive body. You'll feel better overall, be more energetic and should experience a heightened mood. Just remember, in order to have an effective exercise for weight loss plan, you have to commit and stay committed even though there are days that you would rather not. You can do it!