There are many theories about exercise out there, often butting heads with each other. I used to be perplexed, and I can understand if you are confused by it all.

One expert recommends exercising three days a week… another says exercise every single day… still another says five or six days a week is what you need to do.

One says to do all your exercise in one go, because splitting it up lessens the effect. Another suggests dividing it into two or three daily segments. Yet another says do it in five-minute bits if that’s all you can do.

One says to exercise in the morning for best results, and only on an empty stomach. Another says exercising at night is fine. Some say you must eat beforehand. Or afterwards.

If you are not thoroughly befuddled by now, congratulations. If you are, join the club. I am not going to tell you that I have the one correct method, but I can help you make some sense of this mess.

Here are my suggestions, based on what works for me:

Check with your doctor or medical practitioner before beginning any exercise program. Exercise five days a week — or six, if you can — for 30 minutes per day. Find several exercises that you enjoy, or at least don’t mind, and it won’t seem like so much of a chore.

Exercise whenever you can, whether in the morning, afternoon, or evening. I suggest you eat something light, perhaps a delicious smoothie, about 20 minutes before exercising. Exercising on an empty stomach can make some people feel dizzy. Do it all in one go, if possible, but if not break it up into two or three bits. When you feel you can increase the time, work up to 45 minutes per session, or even 60.

When you feel you need more of a challenge, gradually start to increase the intensity of the exercises. Whatever you do, don't overexert yourself at any point, or you probably won't feel like exercising the next day. Conversely, no matter how ambitious you may feel, always take at least one day off each week for your body to effect needed repairs.

I hope this helps. Good luck!