Editor’s Note: Irene Lewis-McCormick is a graduate student in health and human performance. If you would like to ask her a fitness-related question, please send an e-mail request to: [email protected].

Q: I have heard that I should eat something before I exercise, but at 6 a.m., I don’t feel like eating much of anything. If I do eat something, what should it be and why is eating so important before exercise anyway?

A: According to an article in the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal, if your workout occurs first thing in the morning, eating a small piece of fruit, a slice of bread or even a few crackers provides the blood and liver with necessary energy. Drinking a small cup of juice also is beneficial. Breakfast should be eaten after the workout.

Q: I really want to make exercise part of my life — but how? Where do I find the time?

A: Barriers to incorporating exercise into our daily lives are a real problem for many people. About 50 percent of adults drop out of an exercise program within six months of beginning one. Child care issues, lack of interest, no time and fatigue are some of the most common reasons why people do not engage in a regular program of exercise.

To beat the barriers to exercise, try some of these suggestions offered by Robyn Stuhr, author of “Strategies for Beating the Barriers to Exercise for Women:”

• Exercise first thing in the morning.

• Take a brisk walk on your lunch break. Tell yourself you’re just going out for five minutes. You may find that you feel so good, you’ll walk a little longer.

• Park farther away, or get off the bus several blocks early and turn your commute into exercise.

• Combine exercise with other activities: read while on the stationary bike, watch your favorite television program while on the treadmill or take a walk while having meetings or discussions with friends or colleagues.

• Chose an exercise buddy. The two of you can encourage each other.

• Don’t stay up late. Turn off the TV and get some sleep.

• Chose exercises that you enjoy!

• Prioritize. You’ll get more done after you’re refreshed.

• Delegate. Allow your children or spouse to share the workload. You’ll be teaching responsibility to your loved ones, and you’ll be demonstrating your commitment to exercise, setting a good example to your children.

• Working moms should try to exercise during the lunch hour or around the work day, when childcare is available.

• Teach your children to enjoy physical activity.

• Chose at-home options for exercise, like fitness equipment or exercise videos.

• Hire a personal trainer to help you get started.

Set some goals. Specific, long-term and short-term goals work best.

For example, say “In four weeks, I want to be able to perform 10 push-ups” or “In four weeks, I want to lose four pounds.” Short-term goals might include doing two exercise sessions for 30 minutes, two times this week.

Make achievable, realistic goals based on who you are and what you truly believe you can accomplish.