Health Fitness

Want to feel better, have more energy and perhaps even live longer? Look no further than old-fashioned exercise.

The merits of regular physical activity — from preventing chronic health conditions to promoting weight loss and better sleep — are hard to ignore. And the benefits are yours for the taking, regardless of age, sex or physical ability. Need more convincing? Check out seven specific ways exercise can improve your life.

Fitness programs abound, from yoga and Pilates to step aerobics and strength training — either at home or in a gym. So which type of fitness program is best for you? Use these 4 simple steps to find out.

Start in a pushup position with your toes on a stability ball and your hands on the floor (A). Keeping your legs straight, raise your butt toward the ceiling, drawing the ball toward your arms (B). Pause and roll back to start. Pause, then do a pushup. That's 1 rep.

Get into pushup position with your arms straight and your hands resting on dumb-bells, feet slightly wider than hip-width apart (A). Brace your abs as you pull one dumbbell toward your body until your elbow is above your back (B). Pause, then slowly return the weight to the floor and repeat with the other arm. That's 1 rep.