We are all very good at finding excuses when it comes to exercise. You don't have time, the dog got sick, son has a hockey game, etc. But the reality is that you only need 20 minutes a day to keep your health up. Do you have 20 minutes out of 24 hours to devote entirely to yourself? Of course you do, it's the equivalent of watching a TV program, or reading a newspaper. That is the #1 reason people quit an exercise program or even worse, don't start one. Since you are on this page, you have passed that stage and are ready for a change. Congratulations!

Rule #1. Start small. Don't worry if you can't achieve much your first time. Exercise and therefore results take time and require patience. If you can't work out for 20 minutes, start with 10 and work up a minute a day to the 20 minute level.

Rule #2. Keep up your intensity.If you go on a treadmill for 20 minutes without breaking a sweat, you are not exercising. Sweat is the result of your intensity. Try to keep up your workouts at the level 7 or 8, that is when you are still able to talk, but probably wouldn't want to.

Rule #3. Be consistent. Try exercising 5-7 days a week. Here's where you have to be creative and come up with a variety of exercises to keep you going. Remember, you can make exercise boring or fun.

TIP: It is a good idea to exercise in the morning. First of all, it gives you energy for the whole day and increases your metabolism. Secondly, you don't have as many excuses in the morning, since all you have to do is get up a little earlier. Above all, you just get it over with sooner and are ready for the day. Also, try preparing your clothes before you go to bed. So that when you wake up, you are ready to go! Exercising at a particular time of the day, is however, an individual choice and should be done according to your own needs.