Focus on the concerns of each woman. See the sidebar on motivation for further tips about individualizing an exercise plan. Take the time to dispel misinformation. Many women believe that to lose weight, they must reduce calories. Stress that exercise is more effective at achieving weight loss than dieting alone.
Exercise promotes loss of fat, increases metabolic rate, alters body composition and uses energy.
Another misconception is that exercise causes fatigue. In actuality, exercise is energizing and invigorating. For the sedentary woman, fatigue may be the result of lifestyle. 42 Women who are beginning an exercise program should start out slowly, gradually increasing the time and intensity of activity. It is better to start out too slow and build than to start out too fast and become frustrated.