Life in the past was definitely much slower and simpler. It was certainly not any easier as the need to survival was the focus point of a person's days. Let's not go too far: think of your great grandparents or their parents. It is only three generations ago.

What did they do? Did they have a job where they were sitting most of the day? How did they use transportation? Did they walk much? Did they take care of the house without the help of any tool or appliance? Did they work in the fields?

Did they plow, scrub, wash, churn, beat (rugs), cook, chop wood, carry water? Most of them definitely used their bodies much more than we do in the present.

The comparison is lame. When we think about the amount of exercise that they did and that we do, we lose big time.

Now did they need to exercise the way we do today? Absolutely not! Their very lives were a form of exercise. Today we are so enmeshed in our small environment that, if we don't move, it is not really our fault. People sit in front of the computer or desk; take the car to go any distance; dread going outside to get the mail. If you are not moving, blame modern life.

Yes, body was made to move and it is imperative that you act in order to preserve your health and your life. However, not everyone is too keen to move. There are many reasons for not exercising and it really doesn't make a difference which they are as they are simply excuses. True, good excuses, most of the times, but excuses nonetheless.

So, if you are one of the millions who say: "Every time I feel like exercising I sit down and wait for the feeling to pass," these suggestions are for you.

1. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Walk. No need to go around the block for apparent no purpose. If you need a reason to walk, find one. If you live in the city, you can go to the store or to the post office, or to buy the newspaper, etc. If you live in the suburbs where the convenience of a sidewalk is inexistent, do so while you go to work. Or perhaps you can walk your children to school, if it is nearby. Or go check your neighbor's yard. It is ok to be nosey for health purposes.

2. Move in your workplace. You have heard this a zillion times, so here it is once more: Forget the elevator and climb the stairs. Ok. If you work on the 10th floor, go up one flight of stairs. Then two; then three. Park your car farther from your building and walk to your office. Wait for the bus in the next bus stop.

3. Do the sun salutation. This is a great set of movements from yoga that does wonders to your body. Start with one set, then progress to two, and so on.

4. Dance while you clean the house.

5. Do gardening and or other hobbies that you love.

6. Play with your children.

7. Play sports and games that you love.

8. Join an exercise class that makes you smile, that is fun for you.

The important thing is not to get overwhelmed or start with such intensity that you give it up the second day. Don't even think about doing something you really don't care for. You need to feel good; to have a smile on your face. Start slowly. Climb the stairs twice a week. Walk to town on Fridays. Dance while you do the dishes on Thursdays. You get the idea.

This is just so your body begins to get the interest, the desire to move. Once you get to this point, you need not worry; you will have the urge to move more and more and when you least expect, not only you have lost those 20 lbs and can eat that piece of chocolate cake without guilt, but are you now in great shape.

Now, that is fun!