You'd like to be fit wouldn't you? Firm, toned body, no wobbly bits, no getting out of breath. But the idea of exercising isn't very appealing is it? All those sweaty bodies jumping up and down together. And you never seem to have the time or the energy anyway. But your body isn't designed to be inactive - it just doesn't find it easy to be active for no reward. In the past, that reward would have been getting enough to eat, but a quick spin round the supermarket doesn't really qualify! So the trick is to do things that get you fit and that also rewarding.

What should I do?

The best exercise is one that you find enjoyable and that is easy to do, because then you'll stick at it. There isn't any need to drag yourself off to the gym or aerobics three times a week - although you'll probably get hooked on it if you do manage to get started. Exercising feels so good after a while that people start to get itchy if they can't do it (yes really). What is really easy to do is to start finding ways of being more active on a day-to-day basis.

• Walk each day - if you drive to work, park further away or consider biking. If you take public transport, get off a stop earlier. If you walk, walk the long way. If you drive the kids to school, consider walking or biking with them. Walk up the stairs instead of taking the lift. Go for a walk at lunchtime. Think twice about taking the car if you want to go somewhere.
• Do something you enjoy and do lots of it - If you enjoy golf, then play it often - and walk round, carrying your own clubs. If you enjoyed swimming when you were a child, take it up again. If you've always fancied learning yoga, then do so - that is exercise too!
• If possible, choose something that doesn't jar your joints - swimming is ideal. Or make sure you learn the correct way of doing a sport so that you minimise the risk of injury.
• Check with your doctor before you start anything major - some sports, like water skiing are not advisable if you are pregnant.

How much should I do?

It is best to aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. This might sound a bit much, but it doesn't have to be done altogether and can be just walking. However, if you can manage anything more - good! Once you start being more active and getting fit, then don't stop. It's very bad for your body to stop, start, stop, start.

What are the benefits?

Getting fit and staying that way will make you feel better and look better. It will reduce your risk of getting osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, and having a heart attack. It can also help prevent or reduce depression, asthma, and back pain. As you get older, keeping fit will mean you are stronger and that you stay active for longer. If you are fit, the effort of delivering your baby will be less as your heart and lungs will be used to exercise. If your body has well toned muscles, problems with pelvic floor muscles after delivery will be less likely.