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Increase your enthusiasm for physical activity by changing how you think about it. Consider exercise as an indulgence for your body. Give yourself permission to enjoy a new activity; then reward yourself with something special.

Develop a plan. To develop a balanced program for a healthy body, include both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. Moderate intensity aerobic activity gets your heart beating faster such as brisk walking. Aim for at least 150 minutes a week.

Muscle-strengthening activities make your muscles work harder than usual such as lifting weights or working with resistance bands. Aim for at least two days a week of muscle-strengthening activity.

Be adventurous. Make physical activity an adventure by trying something new such as watching a Latin dance video, taking a line dancing class, trying pickleball or disc golf, or enlisting the help of a personal trainer.

Set goals. Goals help you measure your accomplishments. They are the steps you climb to reach your ultimate destination. Write goals that are SMART:

Specific goals identify what you are going to do, such as “I will walk … ”

Measurable goals identify how much to do. Add numbers and time frames to your goals: “I will walk for 30 minutes a day … ”

Achievable goals identify actions that are possible for your situation. For example, if you are always pressed for time before and after work,…