Consistent physical activity benefits your life in so many ways. It helps you maintain a healthy weight, contributes to strength and flexibility, improves your skin, reduces risk of heart disease, and enhances mood as well as energy. It’s important to have achievable exercise plans that help you stay on track. Some ideas:

• If you’re new to exercising, start out slowly. Try a lower-intensity exercise such as walking or swimming. Bit by bit, you’ll be able to increase the length of activity as well as intensity. And remember to warm up and cool down.

• Choose physical activities with multiple benefits. For example, a calming walk after dinner can help release the day’s stress, and fitness classes can give your social life a boost.

• Make sure your routine isn’t too routine. While you may have a regular pattern you follow on most days, be sure to add variety. Not only does a change of pace help you stay interested and motivated, it’s also good for your body — working your muscles in a different way and shaking up your metabolism a bit. Try a new walking route, go to a friend’s group fitness class, or release your inner child with a Hula-Hoop workout.