By setting one of my personal goals to get in shape and lose weight, affirming this end result everyday and doing the steps to get there - I (Kelly) have lost 33 pounds since the end of Sep 07 and I only have 4 more pounds to reach my ultimate goal. Now I am incorporating situps, pushups and light weights to build the muscle which will help burn fat.

Here's what worked for me: I walked 1/2 a mile to warm up (less than 1/4 mi warm down) and 2 miles as fast as I could each day (min 6 days a week). I wrote down everything I ate and drank each day including the calories. For me, I needed to stay under 1200 to start dropping pounds. Ask your doctor what a good max calorie intake would be for you and go for it! Below are some ways to keep moving, clear your mind and burn some calories-

Moving your body, whether you are running, jumping, walking or playing equals energy, strengthens your muscles & helps you feel good. 60 minutes a day can be too much to do at one time or maybe you can't find that much time. Do 10 minutes at a time throughout the day. It can clear your head too.

Take a work break, a homework break or even get off the couch and move while you're watching TV.

Here are some ideas
* Dance to your favorite music
* Walk somewhere instead of driving or getting a ride
* Do some yard work
* Help clean the house
* Take out the garbage
* Jumping jacks for one minute
* March in place for one minute
* Walk up and down the stairs
* Play tag with your kids
* Skip rope with your kids
* Walk your dog
* In-line skate
* Exercise
* Play basketball
* Hula-Hoop
* Kick a soccer ball with your kids
* Ride a bike
* Jog

If you and your kids are stuck at home:

• Gymnastics or tumbling (make sure you have enough room).
• Scavenger hunt.
• Play volleyball with a balloon.
• Hit a balloon or balled-up sock and see how many times you can hit it before it hits the floor.
• Twister.
• Nerf basketball
• Musical Chairs
• Act out your favorite classic story