Energy in balance There is no secret to a healthy lifestyle - reaching and maintaining a healthy weight takes time, effort and commitment to long-term changes in eating habits and increased physical activity. However, simple changes in your daily routine will enable you to stay in shape. Health professionals recommend the following: Choose an exercise that you enjoy. Whether it is tennis, bicycling, golf, hiking, swimming, roller blading or just walking, the important thing is to do it on a regular basis. Use a balanced approach. Exercise, like most things in life, is best done in moderation. A common mistake, when starting out, is over-doing it. It's much better to begin slowly, and then to gradually increase the level of exercise. Think of the world as your gym. While formal workouts and complete fitness centres are great for some people, you can also stay in shape by exploring the world. Spend time at the park with your children, go hiking in the forest, or just explore a museum. It's always a good idea to consult your physician about any diet or physical-activity programme that you might be considering. Remember to think of exercise as a reward for your whole person and not as some form of punishment.