I am wondering how many times I need to exercise for it to really count. I have read rather conflicting ideas.

One place said three times a week is fine, which is roughly every other day. Another said at least five times a week.

How often does one need to exercise and for how long? Currently I am exercising four days a week (mainly cardio) for 45 minutes each time. It's not likely that I can do much more, given my time constraints. I'm in fairly good shape and exercise to maintain my weight and fitness, rather than lose weight, although I am working on toning up more.

We were out with friends recently who were talking about their company's health program that tests their employees’ health and fitness levels and charges their monthly health insurance contributions accordingly. This means the fitter you are, the less you pay every month. The couple work for the same company and the husband thinks the program is great – the wife does not. Both maintain a very healthy lifestyle, exercise regularly and eat well. He thinks some people need a big push to force them into living well and this is one way to do it.