Then get rid of the 5lbs in a week mentality. If you do the math to realize exactly how much exercise you'll need to do to burn 3500 calories, you'll quit before you even start. Rather, aim for doing 30 mins twice a week. Do that for 3-4 weeks and add another day. Build up your new routine slowly. You not only need to get your body used to the new activity, you have to incorporate it into your current lifestyle and also mentally adjust to what you'll be doing.

Now you don't have to go it alone. Matter of fact, buddying up may even make exercising feel less like work. Got a dog? Take them for a slow stroll, then a brisk walk and even quick run around the park as you both get fitter. It won't feel like exercise and your 4-legged friend will always be a gentle reminder it's time to lace up the Keds.

Lastly, get a handle on nutrition. Talking to a nutritionist is a good move, especially if all the latest fad diet news that came about in the last 5 years has done nothing more than to have your head spinning.

After about 2-3 months of consistent working out, where it now feels stranger to miss be active, devote some time to modifying your eating. It doesn't have to be drastic, no cutting out of entire food groups. Just reign in your caloric intake, drink lots of water and have treats in modification. In coming months, a few posts will be devoted solely to nutritious eating.

Tomorrow: Tips and advice for those in the Intermediate Family