To work out more effectively and get faster, safer results, you need to the right answers to your fitness questions. I constantly get emails requesting information on exercise, heart rate monitor use, how to get started, etc... Below are five of the most frequently answered questions.

1) How do I start an exercise program?

The short answer is slowly. Doing too much, too quickly, is one of the fastest ways to end up back on the couch, or worse. Walking is arguably the easiest, most convenient way to start getting into shape, but cycling, and exercise class, or any other moderate intensity activity will do. Just choose something that you will enjoy.

You can begin with as little as 5-10 minutes, 3-5 days a week. Choose a pace that is comfortable so that sore muscles won't discourage you from continuing. After a week or so, gradually increase either the length of time to the number of days a week that you're exercising. Slowly work up to at least 30 minutes, most days of the week. 

2) How much exercise do I need to do to lose weight?

Exercise alone may not be the best way to slim down. To lose a pound of fat, you need to burn 3500 calories. Since walking a mile burns about 80 calories, you'd have to cover 44 miles to lose a pound.

But losing weight can be much easier if you combine exercising with a little calorie cutting. If you want to lose about a pound a week ( a safe, and healthy recommendation), you need a 500 calorie deficit each day. You can achieve that by exercising off about 300 calories ( a 3-4 mile walk or an exercise class) and cutting back on what you eat by 200 calories. (a can of soda and 2 pats of butter) a day.

3) What's the best piece of home exercise equipment to buy?

The short answer to that is....one that you will use regularly, so choose one that you will enjoy. If you want to read while you exercise, it may be easier to buy a stationary bike than a treadmill. Also, keep in mind any conditions that may limit your activity. For example, a cross country ski machine is probably not the best choice if you have chronic shoulder pain.

If you're not sure which piece of equipment you'd enjoy most, get a guest pass to a local health club and try a variety of machines before you buy. Other things to consider when buying exercise equipment: space and cost.

Keep in mind that most pieces of home exercise equipment do become great clothes hangers!

4) What can I do to lose fat in my belly?

Sit-ups or crunches alone won't conquer the bulge. Abdominal exercises will strengthen the muscles under the fat, but you need to do some type of aerobic exercise, such as walking, jogging, or cycling. And watch what you eat!

5) Which is best...Cardio Exercise or Weight Training?  

Whether your trying to lose weight, get into shape, or just stay healthy, both types of exercise are important for different reasons.

Cardio - or aerobic - exercise conditions your heart and lungs, helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and improves your endurance.

Weight - or strength - training helps prevent the loss of muscle that usually occurs as you get older. With strength training, you'll stay strong, your metabolism revved up, and maintain good posture.

Aim for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise 3-5 times a week, and 20 minutes of strength training 2-3 times a week.

The best kick start may be to visit a professional or doctor that focuses on exercise, lifestyle, and weight loss. A physician who does this regularly is a professional that can manage your overall health, work with your primary care physician to manage your BP meds, insulin, etc. That would be the safest, most reliable way to get started.