Tulika has been promising to do something about her weight for months. Every time she decided to start an exercise regimen, something came up to foil her. Or did it really? Was her son’s 8^th class exam a valid reason to postpone starting the exercise regimen? Did her sister’s daughter’s wedding require so much of her participation that she could not start?

Tulika is like many women who know that they should incorporate exercise into their lives but keep finding excuses to postpone the start.

There is no doubt that exercise is the only salvation for the health problems that are overwhelming Indians. Women hold the key to their family’s health. By exercising regularly they can set an example and entice their family members into a healthy lifestyle.

Reading about the advantages of exercise is not enough. We all know that exercise tones our body and adds flexibility and balance but many women do not realise that exercise has long lasting effects. Chronic aches and pains disappear. Women can avoid osteoporosis in the long run. Regular, moderate exercise also reduces the chances of developing diabetes, hypertension and ischaemic heart disease. For those who already have these conditions, exercise helps control the disease and prevents further complications.

Get up and get going

Set the date when you are going to start exercising and stick to it. Let your family and friends know the date so that you will be embarrassed if you don’t start! This is a fun thing that you are going to do so don’t treat it as a chore: look at as a gift to yourself.