Moving your body has been shown to reduce anxietyanddepression, lower rates of many types of cancerand therisk of a heart attack, and improve overallimmunity. Italso helps build strength and stamina.

MORE ON STAYING FIT

The Major Health Benefits of Even ModestExerciseBest Ways to Work Out on a TreadmillA Home ExercisePlan That Really WorksHow to Use Your Heart Rate toHelp YouWork Out

Best Equipment for a Home Gym Getting back into exercise can be a challenge in thebestof times, but with gyms and in-person exercise classes off-linits to many people these days becauseofcoVID-19 concerns, it can be tricky to know where tostart.And it's important to get the right dose of activity. "Too much too soon either results in injuryorburnout,"" says Mary Yoke,PhD, a faculty memberinGetting back into exercise can be a challenge in the best of times, but with gyms and in-person exerciseclasses off-limits to many people these days becauseofcOVID-19 concerns, it can be tricky to know where tostart.And it's important to get the right dose of

activity."Too much too soon either results in injuryorburnout," says Mary Yoke, PhD, a faculty member inthe kinesiology department at Indiana UniversityinBloomington.

Follow this advice to return to exercise safely.

41.                                                                                                    

Don't try to go back to what you were doing beforeyourbreak. If you were walking 3 miles a day, playing 18holes of golf three times a week , or lifting 10-

pounddumbbel1s for three sets of 10 reps, reduce activityto 1/mile every other day, or nine holes of golf onceaweek with short walks on other days, or use 5-pounddumbbells for one set of 10 reps.

Increase time, distance, and intensity gradually.

"Thisisn't something you can do overnight," Denay says.But you'll reap benefits such as less anxiety

andimproved sleep right away.

42.                                                                                                

If you're breathing too hard to talk in complete sentences, back off. If you feel good, go a little 1ongerorfaster. Feeling wiped out after a session? Go easiernext time.And stay alert to serious symptoms, suchaschest pain or pressure, severe shortness of breath or attent1onimmediately.

43._                                                                                                 

Consistency is the key to getting stronger andbuildingendurance and stamina.

Ten minutes of activity per day is a good start,saysMarcus Jackovitz, DPT, a physical therapist at theUniversity of Miami Hospita1.All the experts wespokewith highly recommend walking because it's theeasiest, most accessible form of exercise.Although itcan be a workout on its own, if your goal is to get backtoZumba classes, tennis,cvcling,or any other activitvy,walking is also a great first step.

44.                                                                                                     

Combine cardio exercise,such as walking, withstrengthtraining to keep your muscles and bones inoptimalshape. It can be as easy as standing up andsitting downfrom a chair five to 10 times.

For your upper body, do five to 10 pushups against awal1or high counter. Or use low-cost resistance bands,whichallow you to do more exercises than dumbbel1lsdo andtake up less space.

45.                                                                                                     

Exercising with others "can keep you accountableandmake it more fun, so you're more likely to do itagain,"Jackovitz says.

You can do activities such as golf and tennis or take awalk with others and still be socially distant. Butwhenyou can't connect in person, consider usingtechnology. Chat on the phone with a friend while youwalk around your neighborhood.FaceTime or Zoomwitha relative as you strength train or stretch at home.

You can also join a livestream or on-demanaexereseclass.silverSneakers offers them forolder adults, or try EverWalk for virtual challenges.Editor's Note: A version of this article also appearedinthe January 2021 issue of Consumer Reports On Health.

A.make it a habit .

B.don't go it alone

C.start low go slow

D.Talk with your doctor.

E.listen to your body

F.go through the motions

G.Round out your routine.