Talk to your health care provider before beginning a fitness program, especially if you are older than 35 and have been sedentary. According to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, these are other reasons to see your provider first:

• You have high blood pressure or heart disease.

• You have a family history of early stroke or heart attack.

• You feel dizzy frequently.

• You have arthritis or ligament or tendon problems.

• You become extremely breathless after mild physical activity.