As a nation, we've grown increasingly sedentary, leading lives dominated by television, computers, and cars. But anyone who is concerned about her health — and in particular, maintaining her weight — needs to make exercise a part of her life. In people who have thyroid disease and are struggling with weight, exercise is important for staving off weight gain. It is also beneficial in preventing major illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes, which can be more likely in people with thyroid disease. The key is to make exercise a routine and essential part of your life!

Do Something You Like

It sounds obvious, doesn't it? And yet many people get locked into doing activities they don't like just because they think they should. After a few months, they quit and resume their sedentary ways.

A better option is to start with an activity you enjoy — truly enjoy. If the idea of going to the gym makes you yawn, then stop going. If you can't stand pounding the pavement, then don't. Instead, experiment with other activities that may be different from your usual routine. For instance, if you enjoy nature, consider hiking. Or if you loved swimming as a child, consider a water aerobics class.

Doing an activity you enjoy will help you build the habit of exercise.

Make It a Priority

You brush your teeth every morning, eat your greens every day, and take a vitamin every night. That's where exercise belongs, too, as a top priority in your routine, especially if the rest of your life is sedentary.

So how do you get to that point? Start by writing it down on your calendar, along with your lunch dates, business meetings, and doctor appointments — just like any other important engagement.

Then do whatever it takes to reinforce the activity. Bring walking shoes to work if you can take a stroll during lunch. Sleep in your exercise attire, if you prefer a morning workout. Enlist a friend to join you at the gym if the camaraderie gets you there.

After a while, your workout time will be as big a part of your schedule as mealtime, bedtime, and your favorite TV show.

Even more reinforcing are the changes you'll start to notice. You'll have more energy, sleep better, and have more muscle tone. And for those who have also cut back their food intake, you'll notice that you've started dropping those extra pounds.