Just 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise - even walking - can save your life. This is the powerful message that Dr. JoAnn Manson - one of the lead investigators of both the Women's Health Initiative and the Nurses' Health Study - and her co-author Patricia Amend want to send to American women. Regardless of the barriers you may face - too busy, too tired, too "down," or too old - with this four-step practical plan you'll find the excuses falling away and a happier, healthier self emerging. This book offers not only state-of-the-art information from medical research but step-by-step instructions on how to get started and maintain a physically active lifestyle. The authors help the reader choose a "core" activity that doesn't disrupt daily life. Then they show the reader how to measure fitness level at the start, how to monitor progress over time, and how to reward yourself for your efforts. These four simple steps to fitness will work no matter who you are - 25 or 75, harried mother or overworked professional (or both), in good health or living with a chronic disease. The authors have included a clearly illustrated programme of stretching and strength-training exercises; sensible activities for women with health concerns; an intelligent weight loss plan; guidelines for selecting home exercise equipment and choosing a health club; and much more.