If all we have to do is exercise to live a fuller and healthier life then why isn't everybody doing it? Not enough time? Too expensive? Unmotivated? Well the fact is everybody wants to be healthier but it is time consuming and expensive. Or is it? The problem is that an individual's health is not given a high priority until it's gone.

Not enough time?

Whether the person realizes it or not, they are just procrastinating. They seem to think that they will have more time in the future. To add to this the longer they wait the lower their health will become. Time must be allocated in your schedule or it will never be done because something will always come up. And lets face it, its no good having a big house and a luxurious car if you are no longer around to enjoy it! If you can't spare 30 consecutive minutes each day then three, ten-minute sessions can still improve your condition.

Too Expensive?

Exercise costs nothing! Just walking each day is enough to ensure a long and healthy life. This is something just about everyone can do so it also provides a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends.

Unmotivated?

Well at least you're honest! The trick is to find something you enjoy. Try something social like a group walk, tennis, or golf. If you would rather spend time alone then go for a walk, take your headphones, and listen to your favourite music. If you get bored easily then try a Personal Trainer. Even if it only for one session. They can provide you with variety and ideas on how to keep the exercise program interesting.

However it is easy to see why people get confused when trying to improve their lifestyle with so many diets and eating plans that seem to contradict each other. Then there's the abdominal machines, home gyms, and crosstrainers sold through the media that promise great results but always end up as expensive dust collectors.

The trick is to keep it simple.

• When it comes to your food intake consume low fat meals: it makes sense that the less fat that goes into your mouth, the less fat that will stay on the body.
• Eat meals with plenty of variety: the more variety, the greater intake of all the required nutrients. And keep portion size relative to what you require: eating low fat foods will still make you put on weight if you are eating enough for two people.
• Eat foods high in fibre: these foods are more filling.
• When it comes to exercise, just move more! You must burn more calories than you put into your mouth. Walk to the shops, take the stairs, or hide the remote control for the TV. It all adds up.
• If you can't exercise on a given day, then be even more vigilant with your food intake.
• Exercise doesn't have to be hard, just regular. It just takes thirty minutes each day to ward off our biggest killer: heart disease.

So, the simple solution to a healthier body? USE IT OR LOSE IT!

Ray has worked extensively in the health and fitness industry for over 15 years. He has a degree in Exercise Science and is a Level 2 Strength and Conditioning coach. Get more tips at Rays site Free Tips for Weight Loss Program and Meal Planner