Articles written by Devin Sherrington about health, wellness and fitness in regular column called Fit to Be Tried in the Daily News:

The Daily News - Fit to Be Tried by Devin Sherrington

"I'm going to start jogging Monday." If I had a dime for every time I've heard that I'd be retired.

Jumping right into any exercise, unless it's a walk around the block isn't a good idea. Unfortunately that's exactly what most people do. They get on the treadmill, or go outside and start jogging. Before they know it they're winded, tired and walking.

It takes time to get good at jogging. Getting your body ready for jogging is the key to success. Just like the old saying goes, you have to walk before you can run.

Before you start, check with your physician. It's good to make sure you don't have any health problems you might make worse with exercise.

If everything is healthy get going.

Begin by stretching. You don't have to stretch for more than a few minutes. You just want to loosen up a bit. Then start walking at a nice slow and steady pace for five minutes to warm up.

After your warm up pick up the pace.

Your pace should be brisk but not so fast you can't keep up a conversation. Relax and swing your arms. You'll feel more comfortable if you don't tense up. Walk for about 15 to 30 minutes three times a week for the first two weeks.

At this point you should be ready to challenge your body a little more. Try speeding up and slowing down as you walk. Change your route so you have to walk up hills. Stay with 15 to 30 minutes of walking three times a week for the next two weeks. Just challenge yourself a little more each time.

After these first four weeks of walking it's time to start jogging. Warm up for five minutes making sure to stretch beforehand. Then start to jog at a comfortable pace. When you feel winded, slow down and walk for a minute or two. There's no finish line. Just relax and jog. You should jog three times a week for 15 to 30 minutes at first.

As you feel stronger try pushing yourself a little more. Try speeding up for parts of your jog. Change the route so you have hills to climb. Go a little farther or a little longer. Sometimes it'll feel like a terrible struggle, but push past that. Soon you'll feel like you can jog forever.

Since you'll be burning about 100 calories for each mile you jog, make sure you eat a little more food. You're body will need it for energy. Have a small snack as soon as you finish your jog. Something healthy like a banana and a small yogurt, or a protein shake will help your body recover from the exercise.

The key to being a successful and healthy jogger is listening to your body and knowing your limits. Relax and take your time. Before you know it you'll be signing up for a half marathon. Happy jogging.