I'm 19 years old, about 185 lbs, and 6'2", And I'm looking to start a routine. I feel myself occasionally slipping into laziness so I'm thinking that if I develop some steady routines it would be good for me. I eat ok, but exercise isn't as frequent as it should be.

Unlike most plans I've read I'm not looking for intense "get 6 packs in 2 weeks" type plans. Just some small, 1/2 hour/day Exercise routine.

I'm not necessarily in excellent shape, nor am I fat. A tiny bit flabby around the middle but in no means overweight.

Does anyone have any strategies of where to start. Good methods for just a little bit a day that are beneficial in the long run. Are there any Exercises both muscle and cardiovascular that are good for one's health, and have worked for you?

Thanks a lot.

I think since you are looking for "long term" the key is to find something that you ENJOY doing that counts as exercise. Otherwise, you will never stick with it. What types of activities do you like? Running? Swimming? Biking?
There are lots of things out there that will help cardio & strength both, it just depends what your interests are.

Do you want to work out at home? The gym? Outdoors?

I agree!! The best way is to find something you enjoy that isn't difficult to stick with. Many people work out hardcore in the beginning to try to lose weight quickly and get tired of it.

In the past, I started with taking walks around my neighborhood while listening to music. It was a great way to wind down at the end of the day and enjoy some music. I would always go in the evenings. I never really got tired from walking, so eventually I picked up the pace and would jog some too. Just do what you can. Even half an hour a day will make a difference in the long run.

Now I enjoy jogging on the treadmill. I always download new music and keep it only on my Ipod at first so I have to wait until my workouts to listen to my new music I bought. I also like the elliptical machine or just trying out new things at my gym.

If you have access to a gym, try out different weights machines. I have injured myself twice (nothing big- but I actually have a fractured thumb right this moment) from free weights and I guess from not being careful enough! Just take your time and that shouldn't happen to you. I think I just tried to do too much! I really enjoy using machines though and think they work great.

So, just try to find some cardio exercise you enjoy and some strength training moves as well! I also like to do crunches for my core. It's good to try to target all of your muscles. Some people will ONLY do upper or lower body, but of course it's good to mix it up and get them all! Even a little a day will add up. I usually go work out 5x a week but I don't stay as long as my friends who only go 2-3x a week. Good luck to you!