Making exercise a regular part of your daily routine will help you lose, and maintain, your weight more easily. Exercise helps tone and strengthen muscles—making your body more efficient at burning calories. Keep a fitness diary—which activities you will do, on which days, and for how long. Space similar workouts 24 hours apart to allow muscles recovery time. Alternate high-impact aerobic days with low-impact activity or strength training. If you’re a new mother, use your bouncing baby to work your muscles. Lie on the floor and “bench press” your child. Hold your baby and do “squats”. It’s bonding time that gets your muscles moving!

Always check with your doctor before beginning a fitness program.