1) Start small.
If you are daunted or unmotivated about exercise, you can help your body with little things at first. Try taking the stairs, parking a little bit further away, or making it a point to stand up and walk around when you're on a phone call. Even fidgeting burns some calories! This way you get some benefits without *insert dramatic music here* actually exercising!
2) Take ten.
For a lot of people the challenge is to find the time to exercise - it can be hard to dedicate 30 minutes a day to activity. The good news is that as little as 10 minutes at a time counts! This makes it easier to incorporate in your day. For example, you can take 10 minute walks after each meal, or have random 10 minute dance parties in your living room (kids really like this one!). This is much more doable and seems less daunting, doesn't it?
3) Find fun.
Exercise should be enjoyable, not a chore - and you're more likely to stick to it if you actually like it. Luckily there are many options these days, so it's a matter of finding what you like. I personally trolled the internet for free fitness videos on various activities - yoga, Zumba, kickboxing, tai chi, weights, aerobics, jump rope, hula hoop, resistance bands, etc. - until I found things I enjoy. Also, most gyms have 1 week free passes, so you can take advantage of that to explore the different fitness classes and equipment there. Once you figure out what you like and will actually do, THEN you can invest a bit more money and time, since it will be worth it to you!
4) Consider company.
People are more likely to start and stick to an activity if they have someone to do it with, so try to get friends or family on board! You get to spend more quality time together, and everyone will be healthier for it. It also helps that you will have more accountability and less chance to make excuses.
As Elle Woods says in Legally Blonde, "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people don't kill their husbands." So get active! You'll be happier, healthier, and less homicidal :)
-Nami
