• Talk to your doctor. Never start any kind of exercise program on your own, especially if you lead a pretty inactive lifestyle.
• Maintain an exercise schedule. One that works with your medication, mealtimes, and any other factors that affect your diabetes is your best bet for success.
• Work with your limitations. If you've had an injury, are seriously overweight, or have physical problems moving, physical therapy might be your best option for learning how to exercise.
• Consider a personal trainer. Most gyms have them or you can hire your own for private lessons.
• Work out with a friend or loved one. Encourage and motivate each other.
• Think outside of the gym. Try dance classes, long walks, martial arts, or other active options.
• Get in the swim of things. Contact your local YMCA or community center and ask about activities like water aerobics and in-pool resistance training.

• Comfort is key. You're more likely to do things when you feel comfortable doing them. Footwear—if you mainly use your sneakers for lazing around the house or if it's been a while since your last new pair, this is the time for it. The right clothes make a difference. Women need a comfortable sports bra. Men should be mindful of breathable fibers for pants and shorts.
• Check your feet. After each exercise session, examine your feet for any cuts, cracks, or sores, and treat them as your doctor advises.
• Find your motivator and keep it handy. Some people like music to get them moving. Others think about a new outfit or dream vacation. Even an upcoming occasion can help. Find something that will motivate you, and use it.
• Try a few things to find what you like best. Many gyms and exercise studios will offer free trial memberships or classes. Take advantage and spend a few days or even a few weeks trying a lot of different things. Then decide which one is best for you.
• Keep it simple. If a gym is outside of your comfort zone, think about what you can do at home. Look at exercise DVDs, home gym equipment, or even a Wii Fit.
• Keep it cheap. A walk around the neighborhood or the local shopping mall is good exercise, and it's free!
• Make it part of your routine. Park your car a little farther from the office for a quick morning walk. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Walk the dog. Don't just let him out in the yard. Take your furry best friend on a proper walk, and you'll improve BOTH your lives.
• Reward yourself. Get a new sweat-wicking t-shirt. Download some new tunes that get you moving. Think of non-food rewards and give yourself these little gifts for reaching goals or just keeping up the activity.
• Exercise first thing in the morning. The early start sets the tone for the day. If you wait until later, you are more likely to be derailed.

Once you've been exercising for a while, you can lose your motivation or get bored. That makes you more likely to slack off or stop altogether. Here are some great ways to keep up your momentum.

• Try something new. If you're used to machines, try a class. If you've exhausted all the possibilities at your gym, look to a dance studio.
• Join a fitness group. Make exercise a social occasion.
• Hire a trainer. Trainers are excellent at showing you how to change your workout and break the routine. If cost is an issue, find out about hiring one with a friend—you can pair up and both get challenged!
• Take it outside. Go hiking in the woods or rock climbing in the mountains.
• Turn left. If you walk around the neighborhood, vary your path. Turn left where you would usually turn right and vice versa.
• Teach someone else. Once you have learned a skill or feel you're in the swing of your exercise routine, pass it on to someone who needs motivation. You always learn more by showing another person.