One of the main reasons why so many people fail to lose weight or to get into the kind of shape they really want to be in is the fact that they hate exercise. The simple truth is that people who manage to lose weight and keep it off are people who learn to lose exercise - and they learn to love being healthy. Exercise, like anything else, is something you need to learn to love. For most people their hate of exercise is usually linked to some painful experiences from the past. This can be a childhood memory or even something like being "slaughtered" by a personal trainer.

I'd be the first one to admit that running is not the best way to start exercise for weight loss. Although its great exercise, very few people love it. It can be painful and it can be boring. Instead, why not tr6y something that is more fun. Think about it...have fun and lose weight? Great!

Here are 3 alternatives that will help you get started.

1. Swimming
Swimming is extremely good exercise. It engages virtually all your muscle groups and the fact that it has virtually no impact on your legs and joints means its much more painless than some of the harsh gym exercises. Apart from that, swimming is fun and you can have a lot more fun in the pool than you can on a treadmill.

2. Pilates
You've probably seen the books and heard about Pilates but chances are that you don;t fully understand what it is. Its not some weird "new age" exercise routines as many people think. Although much of it is based on Yoga its much more dynamic and can do wonders for you in terms of body tone. I suggest you join a class - preferably on that focuses on weight loss as well because this will introduce you to recliners which are just amazing.

3. Team Sports
One of the most effortless ways to get your daily exercise is to start doing a sport. Team sports are immense fun and most of the time you will not even feel like you are "exercising". Pick a sport, any sport and start looking for teams in your area. Regardless of your age or level of fitness, there is a team waiting for you to help you lose weight without the pain or hassles of going to a boring old gym every day.