You may have several reasons why you don't exercise regularly: "Exercise is boring." "The weather's bad." "I don't belong to a gym." "I'm just not athletic."

Whatever your exercise excuses may have been in the past, it's time for a change. How about coming up with an excuse to exercise? If you can find a good reason to start exercising, you're more likely to feel motivated to get moving and stick with it.

If you can't come up with your own excuse to exercise, borrow one of ours. Just make sure not to push yourself too hard if you're just beginning. Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program. Together you can find the right type of exercise for you.

1. 'Exercise is good for my health.'

Whether you walk, swim or do floor exercises, physical activity gets your heart pumping. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, exercise can help ward off heart disease, stroke, diabetes and certain types of cancer. Regular physical activity may also improve your independence by giving you more strength to do things on your own.

2. 'I look and feel good after I exercise.'

Physical activity reduces feelings of anxiety and depression, improves mood and promotes a sense of well-being, according to the American Heart Association in Dallas. Regular exercise also helps keep your weight down, which may make you feel better about the way you look.

To make sure you stick with exercise, find an activity you like. Keep trying new things until you find something you enjoy.

3. 'I enjoy spending time with friends and family.'

If you take a walk with a friend, you get a chance to exercise and chat. Bring along your small grandchild in a stroller or an older child and his or her bike. Or try tennis, golf or aerobics with a friend.

Looking for something to do with your spouse? Go dancing! You'll get exercise while you enjoy each other's company.

4. 'I like meeting new people.'

If you take an exercise class at your local YMCA or senior center, you will have the opportunity to meet new people while you work out.

Or consider joining a mall-walking group in your area. Mall walking is a great way to enjoy exercise when the weather outside is too hot or too cold. Call the malls in your community to see what groups are available and when they meet.

5. 'Exercise gets me out of the house.'

A daily walk or bike ride will give you the opportunity to get some fresh air. Explore your neighborhood or other communities in your town or city for a change of pace. Or take a stroll along the walking path at a local park. The change of scenery will revitalize you.

6. 'Exercise lowers my chances of falling.'

According to the National Institute on Aging in Bethesda, Md., each year U.S. hospitals have about 300,000 admissions for broken hips. Falling is often the cause of those fractures. Exercise--in particular strength training--helps improve balance and reduce the risk of falling.

The tricky part is making sure you start with activities that won't cause you to fall. Begin by talking with your doctor about what exercises are right for you. Then get moving!