There's no denying the power of physical fitness. According to Health.com, exercise may prevent chronic illnesses, build strong muscles, control your weight, and may even help you look and feel younger. The trick is to start moving. No matter what shape you're in today, it's possible to incorporate physical fitness into your everyday life. But first, you should set suitable fitness goals. Here's how:

• Make them achievable. If you're 60 years old and want a 20-year-old's body, you're bound to be disappointed. Make sure your goals are something you can achieve and celebrate. That may be to shave 10 pounds off or swim for 30 minutes a day.

• Make them measurable and specific. Rather than say, "I want to be in a size six dress before my class reunion," say, "I want to lose 15 pounds by next summer, but three pounds by next month." Break every goal down into bite-size pieces so that the "end" of each is always in sight. If you dream of running a 5k race but haven't laced up running shoes in a while, tell yourself that you're going to begin by running 100 yards. Once you've achieved that measurable goal, set another.

• Give yourself time. Weight training is an important part of physical fitness, particularly as you age. Rather than criticize yourself for having to start out with two-pound hand weights, understand that it doesn't matter where you begin as long as you stick with the program. In fact, it doesn't matter if you need those two-pounds weights for months before graduating to something heavier. You're still on the path to a healthier life.

Remember that exercise is all about feeling better and being kind to yourself.