Everyone knows that in order to lose weight, we need to eat sensibly and exercise regularly. It's so easy to say, but why does it seem so hard to do? I put it to you that exercising effectively is all about attitude. If you could just understand how simple it is to incorporate exercise into your daily routine, you could make a decision now to just do it. That decision would lead to weight loss, and weight loss would change your life.

Make sure you don't fall for the latest infomercial featuring exercise machines. You don't actually need to spend a lot of money. Maybe you have some equipment previously purchased. If so, that's fine, dust it off and set it up somewhere you'll pass everyday so that you're more inclined to use it regularly. Those kinds of tummy sucking wonders tend to be large and take up lots of storage, so only go for one if you have the place to put it. Otherwise, consider purchasing a large exercise ball; these are cheap and effective for exercising most of your muscle groups.

Exercising does not have to dominate your day; it doesn't take as long as you think! These days there are 20 minute routines on DVD in abundance, and if you aim for at least 3 of these sessions a week, exercising will not take up too much of your time. First thing in the morning is the best time to exercise, and always aim to start at the same time so that your exercising becomes a habit which is hard to break. There are fewer distractions first thing, and you will head into your day with a quiet sense of satisfaction, knowing that you are on the road to a slimmer, physique. But for those who certainly aren't morning people, first thing in the morning is never going to work. I know someone who reckons she sleeps like a baby due to her 30 minute aerobic workout before bed every night. So, it's up to you really: you need to decide on the time that's right for you and get started immediately!

This is very important and a point easily missed by many: your exercise must be fun and fulfilling to you or else you simply wont keep it up. Afterall, we're only human and we have to be motivated to continue with our good intentioned plans. Here's one way to determine the exercise plan which is best for you. Sit down alone and jot down ten activities that you most enjoy in life. Now look again at these activities and consider ways you can make these activities more physical and ways you can naturally incorporate exercise. For example, if eating out is one of your enjoyments, choose restaurants near to a beach, lake, river or nature walk and schedule a pre or post dinner stroll as a habitual part of that activity. Do you love sunny days? Hire bicycles and take the whole family on a ride to remember. Do you enjoy sunsets? My wife and I love after dinner walks on our local beach during the summer (and don't forget to take the kids: you'll be modelling healthy lifestyle to them). Do you love time with the wider family? Organise a big ball game in a park rather than an all-you-can-eat-restaurant.

Incorporate exercise into your every day routine. Put away the television remote control and everyone will be forced to get up to turn channels. Park in the parking spot the furthest from the shop door and everyone will be forced to walk briskly across the car park. Carrying shopping bags back to the car will be like lifting weights at the gym! Choose to take the stairs EVERY time rather than the lift. Get off the bus one stop before your usual stop and walk the extra distance. Take time out during your busy working day (especially if you sit at a computer most of the day) and take a brisk walk around the block. You'll be absolutely amazed at the difference it will make to your powers of concentration and well being.

Compete with yourself. If you manage to organise a daily walk (or a walk three times a week as a minimum), have fun by creating a chart and display it somewhere prominent such as on your fridge. Time yourself each walk and watch as you shave minutes off your previous best time. This will inevitably happen as you get fitter and fitter. Include a column to measure your pulse when you return home and you'll also be thrilled to see your fitness levels increase. Before long you'll be able to increase the length of your walk and still return home within the same time period.

Choose somewhere you love and exercise there. If your home is your palace, and you wish to exercise in privacy, then set yourself up there in front of the television or around the swimming pool. It's better than nothing. But if you're serious about a daily walk, remember that the fresh air of outside is rejuvenating in itself. Don't just walk around your own neighbourhood if it doesn't particularly inspire you. Get in the car and drive to somewhere beautiful, a lake, river, bush track etc and take your walk there. Look, maybe your paradise place is the local shopping centre. My wife has a friend who actually exercises there by briskly walking the length and breadth of her local shopping centre several times every morning before the crowds arrive. Whatever works for you will probably work for you!

Don't overdo it. This is often a pitfall of the enthusiastic. Always start small and allow your challenges to grow. If you lift weights which are too heavy or start jogging before you've mastered walking briskly, you're in for trouble. At the worst you'll injure youself or endanger your health and at best you'll be very sore and sorry the next day. So many times I've witnessed joggers (often older people) almost killing themselves along the side of the road. I wish they realized that a very brisk walk will do them more good than their excrutiating run.

Swimming is a fabulous activity suitable for all ages. It is low impact and works all parts of your body. It is enjoyable and if you live near a heated swimming pool, it is suitable for all times of the year. You can go at your own pace and because it is an individual pursuit you will not feel as though as you are letting anyone else down if you are slow or awkward.

If you need more motivation and accountability, choose your favourite sport and join a local sporting competition. Team sports may be the answer for you. It is amazing how we feel we can't let others down and so turn up to play even when we don't feel like it.

If you want to see quick results in your physique, I would definitely have a whey protein based shake on hand and take this between 20 and 30 minutes after your exercise session. You'd be amazed at the difference this will make. During exercise you muscles basically tear and protein helps them to start rebuilding immediately. This leads to greater muscle tone and fat burning. Whey protein and L Carnitine is a winning combination if you really need to lose some weight. Why do all the hard work and not give yourself every advantage?

Now is the day to make a resolve. Resolve to make some changes in your lifestyle which will result in regular, enjoyable exercise. If it's enjoyable you'll adopt it as a natural part of your lifestyle. If it's regular it will become a healthy habit. I dare you to start brainstorming ways you can get more active within the confines and time limits of your present lifestyle. Weight loss and improved well being will necessarily follow.