What You Need To Know Home -> The Library -> Where Do I Begin? -> What You Need To Know Beginning an exercise program can be intimidating if you are just starting out. There are some things that are very important that you definitely need to know. 1. That you are medically cleared to exercise. This knowledge is extremely important, especially if you are older and have never really exercised before. Let your doctor know that you wish to start an exercise program and ask if there is anything you should be aware of. Rule of Thumb: If you are older, have never exercised before or have any pre-existing conditions that might affect you if you exercised, consult your physician. If in doubt, get checked out. 2. How to exercise safely. It is no good starting an exercise program with all the best of intentions if you hurt yourself immediately upon starting that exercise program. Not only are you less likely to keep exercising but you may give up entirely. Rule of Thumb: Learn how to do some basic exercises safely and effectively. 3. Where to start. It is hard to do something properly if you don't know where to begin. "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Make sure that step is the right one. It will save you much time and frustration. Rule of Thumb: Know where to start then learn the next steps. 4. Why you are exercising. What's your motivation? If you don't know why are exercising, chances are you won't be focused on what you want to achieve. This is quickest road to failure. Rule of Thumb: Know why you're exercising. Write down specific goals that you would like to achieve, e.g. lose 10 pounds of fat in 8 weeks. 5. What you need to do to achieve your goals. It is great to have goals. It is even better to know how to achieve them. Would you drive across the country without a map? Why would you embark upon something as important as your health and fitness without a plan as so many people do. Rule of Thumb: Find out what you need to do to achieve your goals, even if it's just how far you should walk every day.   Return to the Where Do I Begin? Homepage STEP 2: Find out what you Don't Need To Know about exercising.