Vowing to Get in Shape

Ideas for Making Exercise Fit

So that's it. After letting things slide, you've vowed to shape up, even if it takes drastic action -- like aerobics and (gasp) dieting.

Hold on. To employ fitness to lose weight, start with basic, big-muscle exercises before adding aerobics. And don't diet until you've got your exercise routine pat, says weight-loss author Bob Greene, the man credited with helping Oprah Winfrey slim down. Otherwise, he says, you may just slow your metabolism instead of boosting the caloric demands of your body.

Greene says to start with stretching -- to loosen your rusty muscles -- then add moves like sit-ups and stability ball exercises that strengthen shoulders, legs and abdominals; those bigger muscles must be able to support you through running, biking and other aerobic activity. Also, a sturdy foundation will help guard against back problems and joint strain.

Greene's approach may not work for everyone, says Walter R. Thompson, a kinesiology and nutrition professor at Georgia State University in Atlanta who knows Greene and occasionally works with him. "Bob is trying to ease people into weight reduction -- which is not a bad idea -- but people could easily fall off the exercise regimen if they are not already convinced that the combination of diet and exercise is the real key to weight reduction," Thompson says. "Most people want to see immediate results."

Ah, reality: As we state with annoying frequency, there are no shortcuts on the road to fitness and good health. Please note: The Moving Crew chat time has moved to every other Thursday at 11 a.m. We're offline this week, and back May 20. Join us then or e-mail us at move@washpost.com.

-- John Briley