Couch Potatoes, Arise!

There's nothing easier than falling out of shape, especially in the U.S. Americans may no longer lead the world in science, engineering and productivity, but with TiVo on the flat-screen, Domino's at the door and an arsenal of remotes within easy reach, we've got leisure time nailed.

Climbing off the couch and getting back into condition is a dicier proposition. Trying to do it too fast can actually be dangerous. "Among those at greatest risk for heart-attack death is the habitually sedentary person who engages in unaccustomed physical activity," warns Barry Franklin, physiologist and chairman of the American Heart Association's Physical...

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