2. You’ve got to walk before you run. If you haven’t run in years, start by alternating running for a minute and walking for a minute, and work up (slowly) from there.

3. Blow up the bathroom scale. When you exercise, the muscle you gain weighs more than the fat you lose.

4. Read the label on the side of the package, not the one on the front. If the "percentage of calories from fat" is more then 30%, that food shouldn’t be one of your staples.

5. Don’t buy fitness equipment advertised on TV. Buy free weights or good running shoes - and use them.

6. Mental stress is physical. If you have a hunch some new ache or pain is a sign of stress, you’re probably right.

7. No matter how tired you are, exercise will make you feel better. Study after study has shown that working out raises your energy levels rather than depleting them.

8. Stay off of ladders. They’re dangerous. If you don’t make your living climbing ladders, hire someone who does.

9. Take your vitamins. Do it even if your doctor says they’re worthless.

10. Enjoy yourself. You don’t have to give up every indulgence to be healthy. Shave off a mere 230 calories a day and you’ll lose nearly 25 pounds in the coming year.