The Basics

First, you should understand the components of fitness before you get started. The following should be included in any fitness routine:

1. Cardio Endurance - How well your heart and lungs work to supply your body with oxygen during your workout.Example: How well you're breathing after chasing your terrified dog around the yard before stuffing him into the tub for a bath.

2. Muscular Endurance - How long you can hold a position or repeat a movement.Example: Carrying 8 bags of groceries, plus a tired child, up 3 flights of stairs and into the kitchen without dropping them.

3. Muscular Strength - Your ability to lift the heaviest weight you can, one time.Example: The strength required to shove your spouse over in an attempt to stifle the chainsaw-like snoring.

4. Flexibility - How limber you are.Example: You're ability to reach the top shelf of your bookcase for a quick dust.

5. Body Composition - the proportion of fat compared to bone and muscle. Example: Having a healthy percentage of muscle and fat in your body.

This all adds up to the fact that you should be doing cardio exercise, resistance training, stretching and eating a healthy diet. Pretty much