It’s easy for most of us to come up with excuses: I’m too old to start, it would be risky for me given my physical health, I can’t afford the equipment, and on and on. Well, unfortunately, those excuses just don’t cut it, because the evidence exists that virtually everyone, no matter what age or physical condition, can benefit from regular exercise, and you don’t need to break the bank to do so. The National Institute on Aging has a handy little infographic you can print out and put on your fridge whenever you feel an excuse coming on to avoid exercising.

For a comprehensive look at why it makes sense to exercise, regardless of age or condition, and how to do so effectively, you need to look here. And for those with more serious health conditions, it could be that the trick is to engage in group exercise activities, which not only benefit your physical well-being but can provide the mental health benefits from social engagement as well. The Washington Post recently ran a terrific article on the benefits of group fitness for those with serious or chronic illness. And there are now even organizations, such as 2Unstoppable, that promote exercise buddies for those with such illnesses as breast cancer or Parkinson’s. And while exercising while ill may bring up some challenging psychological responses, those can be managed so that you can enjoy the benefits of being physically active. So put on your sneakers and get out there and move!