A special welcome to our new contributor, SplitsActive personal trainer and fitness expert Johannah Cole.

Exercise not only keeps your body in shape but can also improve your health and wellbeing. All it takes is 40min three times a week of steady exercise and within months your body’s health, energy levels, shape and composition will be improved.

You can start today! Simply start adding exercise and more physical activity to your daily life. Here are a few ways to get started:

• Take the stairs, Rather than waiting for the lift, get moving. Stairs work your glutes and thigh area and whilst you are climbing you burning calories too.

• When going shopping, park on the side away from the store you are going to. This way you can walk through the mall, increasing your cardiovascular activity and while you are walking check out sales you otherwise may have missed!

• Hand deliver messages instead of sending an email or calling to someone across the office or neighbourhood to increase you activity.

• Take your pet for a walk

• Get up to change the channel.

• Take up a sport with friends.

• Meet a friend for coffee somewhere you can walk to and walk from.

Exercise should be gradually increased with a specific program that takes into consideration the specific lifestyle and exercise goals you want to achieve. It's not always necessary to join a gym as there are many exercises you can do at home or in the work place.

You can get fitness or Pilates classes started in your work place or simply start a guided fitness program to shape your body in your own home.

For more information contact Johannah Cole from Splits Active Health, Wellbeing and Fitness

email: Splitsactive@yahoo.com.au