You’ve decided to begin exercising. Or you’re looking to improve your fitness. Where to start? I’ll go over some frequently asked questions about fitness:

Q: What are the components of fitness?

A: They include cardiovascular condition (cardio), strength, flexibility, balance, hand-eye coordination, speed and agility. Most people who exercise regularly are strong in one or two components. Examples of cardio are walking, swimming, playing tennis, taking a dance class, riding a bike — activities that get your heart pumping.

Q: What kind of exercise do I need to be healthy?

A: In a perfect world, you would regularly do cardio, strength and flexibility exercises. Balance training such as yoga and tai chi are important for older adults. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Start small. Work on your cardio first and when you improve, add strength training to your regimen. The government recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise every day. This can include training for more than one component of fitness.

Q: What if I can’t do 30 minutes during my first week?

A: That’s OK. No one expects you to do a 30-minute workout if you’ve been sedentary. Aim for 15 minutes the first day. Add five minutes the next. Keep adding time or increasing speed or intensity as you improve. Remember: small steps.

Q: What exercise is best?

A: Simple: the one that you like or enjoy doing. Doing something you enjoy can make the tough moments worthwhile. If you like doing it, you’re more likely to stick to it.

Q: I don’t like going to the gym. Do I have to?

A: No. You can work out at home. Or outdoors, because nature is a free gym. The key is to have the right tools, no matter where you are. Your most important tool is your body. But seek the help of a personal fitness trainer who can design exercises for your chosen environment.

Q: Where do I find a trainer?

A: Go to www.ideafit.com or www.nsca-lift.org to find a trainer.

Q: How do I know when it’s time to make changes or add to my workout program?

A: Once exercise becomes easier. Your body is designed to adapt, so you have to keep challenging it. Suggested guides: “The Home Workout Bible” by Schuler & Mejia (Rodale); “Full-Body Flexibility” by Jay Blahnik (Human Kinetics)