Birthdays stink! Or so says the little skunk hanging from my car mirrora reminder from my daughter-in-law that Im nearing another dreaded hill in my life.

Actually, the age doesnt bother me. Its the fact that weight GAINED from my cake and ice cream is so much more difficult to LOSE after one of those particular birthdays. Im also finding that joint pain and backaches make it more and more difficult to exercise consistently.

Heres a simple fact: If I START to exercise, I hurt. But...if I STOP exercising, I hurt even more!

Before beginning this exercise, please consult your doctor. In the past I thought this warning was only for heart patients. But now Im discovering other reasons why you should heed this advice. It costs a lot of money for visits to the chiropractor and the podiatrist after injuries, not to mention the time and effort youve invested in your progress thus far.

When an injury occurs, you cannot simply stop exercising. You will lose all the progress youve made so far. Instead, talk with your doctor about an alternative exercise. If youve acquired a stress fracture in your foot from jogging, he may recommend swimming instead. If your lower back is giving you fits after yard work, you may need to steer clear of certain weight machines for a while.

There are so many exercising options available, that its usually our own fault if we grow old and lazy. Look under Exercise in your phone book yellow pages. Youll find health and fitness centers with weight rooms, dancing instruction, racquet ball, swimming pools, aerobics, and yoga. You can go it alone or join a group of people with similar fitness goals (and similar physiques).

Trot down the sporting goods aisle of your local department store. Its amazing how many fitness tools are available! With a DVD, you can learn Tao Bo or Pilates in the privacy of your own home, walk the treadmill to upbeat music with people who encourage your pace (and shut them off when you get tired), do an aerobics exercise workout, or learn to Tango with a friend or spouse.

You can buy a stationary bike trainer unit for your old 2-wheeler and pedal in any weather. You can purchase hand weights to wear as you work around the house, ankle weights to walk the treadmill, or heavy weights for your curl bar. If weights arent your style, try out some rubber bands or resistance cords. Most of these items come with their own written instructions for exercise.

See, there is no excuse. If one part of your body is out of commission for a while, exercise whatever muscles you can. Dont give up. Exercise matters, no matter what your age.