Here are 10 tips for the beginner from efitness.com

1. DON'T WORRY ABOUT FEAR -- Understand that it's OK to feel somewhat unsure of yourself prior to starting an exercise and nutrition program. The psychological aspect is the first thing to accept. There will be a lot to learn concerning weight training, cardiovascular exercise and nutrition. However, recognize that as you begin the process, you will continually learn, get more comfortable and, most importantly, make progress.

2. DECIDE -- In most articles, this point is referred to as goal-setting. However, I prefer DECIDE, because I see too many people fail with goal-setting. I realize it’s a play on words, but it seems to work. You’ll need to write down and DECIDE what it is you want to accomplish.

For example, you may decide you want to lose 30 pounds of body fat and gain 2 to 3 pounds of muscle. Maybe you’ll decide you want to be able to walk 5 miles without losing your breath, or possibly fit into that size 8 dress or 31" inch waist pants. Write it down and make it quantifiable. Just saying, "I want to get in shape and lose weight" is not quantifiable. There’s no target.

3. GET A CHECKUP -- Having a physical is a wise decision, because it will help assure you’ll attain the most benefits with the least amount of risks. If you smoke, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or are overweight, it’s doubly important. Remember, this is about starting right.

4. STRUCTURE -- You will need guidance. That’s where eDiets comes into play. Our site is marvelous for beginners. When registering, you are asked to input your goals, current activity level, health history and several other measurements. We then provide a program that matches your goal and your current fitness level.

You receive a nutrition program and complete exercise descriptions. I know what you’re thinking, "Yes, but how do I know if I’m really doing things correctly?" Don’t worry. If you ever have a question related to your program, we have a team of personal trainers and dietitians ready to assist you. You will not be left alone.

5. GET REAL -- Take a close look at your schedule and be realistic concerning how many days and how much time you can realistically devote to exercise. This is going to be long-term, so it has to be based on reality.

Too many people start working out every day and think that’s the best approach. Wrong! Maybe you only have two to three days to devote to exercise and only 45 minutes for each session. It's the combination of efficient nutrition and exercise that will yield the greatest benefit, not simply excessive exercise. That's a sure way to experience burn out.

6. EDUCATE YOURSELF -- You'll need to develop an understanding of concepts such as repetitions, sets, cardio, etc. Again, we can help. When you get to the eDiets fitness program, you’ll be lead to a glossary of fitness terminology that will help get you started in the right direction. This will give you a good, overall understanding of many fitness terms you may have heard in the past.

7. EAT -- Begin to get an understanding of how food affects the body. I’m not asking you to become a nutrition guru. Simply try to understand, for example, what happens to your body when you have a big bowl of pasta compared to a smaller amount of pasta combined with chicken and a small Caesar salad.

Become familiar with the affect elevated blood sugar has on storing fat. You can receive additional education on this subject matter when you join. Just email one of our dieticians or access one of the great support boards available to members. The best part? When you join eDiets, we'll customize your nutrition based on your food preferences. It's based on reality.

8. MOVE -- No, not geographically. Start to work out, start to move. Your weight training won't take a lot of time as a beginner, nor will your cardiovascular exercise. You’ll focus on form, technique, precision and breathing correctly during your workout.

You'll find the site all-encompassing and able to answer many of your questions. Not sure about a specific weight-training move? Just access my Fitness For You support board, and I'll answer your question. I won't stop explaining until you’re clear.

9. BEWARE OF MAGIC POTIONS -- Don’t get hooked into supplements that can magically reduce body fat or infomercials that sell ineffective products to get your stomach flat. Remember, these companies are just trying to make a buck, and most of them don’t provide all the information you require to make a wise decision. They prey on emotion and impulse buying. Stay far away.

10. COST EVALUATION -- It's important to get the most effective nutrition-and-workout plan for your needs. In business, it’s called cost versus benefit, but I like to call it "What the heck do I get for my money?" It’s also important to get ongoing education that doesn’t require this to be a full-time endeavor. You need quick and timely information that won’t "break the bank." Joining eDiets is a fraction of the cost of hiring a nutritionist or trainer at a health club.