How to get back into working out and getting back in shape?

I have been asked questions similar to this by a bunch of people. Some of them were in great shape and worked out a bunch and something came up, others have never consistently done anything, either way, there is a desire to do something to get healthier and and workout.

I would say the person who is asking this question is already halfway there to starting to workout again, for they at least are willing to ask the question and care. Yes, they aren't actually working out, but at least they are asking the question and care somewhat.

Now, onto the actual question: "How do I get into working out and getting back in shape?"
Well, it really is actually very simple. I'm guessing that anyone asking this question knows someone who works out, someone who is in great shape, or someone who has transformed themselves through exercise. If that is the case, then it's easy; ask them if you can workout with them. You don't need to be doing exactly what they are doing because everything can be scaled, but if nothing else, you at least have a friend who is willing to work out with you. If you are completely deconditioned and haven't been doing anything, and just need something, then whatever it is that your friend is doing, then it will do wonders for you. I will advise though that you make sure that the two of you (or however many people you're working out with) incorporate some sort of strength training. It helps with building balance, bone density, and overall health.

If you are in the unfortunate circumstance of not being in the first situation, and you don't personally know anyone who works out at all, and you are really by yourself, then that is the time where you really need to be intrinsically motivated, and want to do it. You can have any motivation you'd like, but it certainly helps if it is because you want to better yourself for the sake of bettering yourself, and not for anyone else because if it isn't for you, then you're more likely to quit.

My first recommendation is deceptively simple. Set a goal. Whether it is to lose 10 lbs, be able to do some amount of pull ups, or even as simple as being able to pick up furniture and other things around your house with ease, set that goal. Make sure you are only setting one goal for now. Don't try and do too much or set too many goals.  I say that it is deceptively simple because the goal itself shouldn't be that difficult, but for some people it is tough to actually figure out what it is they want. For myself, I'm not even sure I have one specific overarching goal, I just felt slightly out of shape and wanted to feel better, and then I have set short-term goals since then, and for me, that's worked. For example, I have goal weights that I want to be able to squat, deadlift, bench, and strict press by the end of 2013 as well as other movements. Regardless of what it is, make sure you set a goal.

My next recommendation is to find a program or something that aligns with your goal. If your goal is to run your first 5K, but you're following a powerlifting program, then obviously that won't help too much. I know it sounds simple, but you just need a program that can help you with your goal.

My last, and most important recommendation is this: make sure you enjoy what you're doing. There are three components to being successful: doing what you should be doing, doing what you like doing, and what it is you are doing. If those three things don't line up, then you won't have long term success, but I feel like the most important is that you enjoy whatever it is you are doing, then your chance of reaching your goal is incredibly small.

I hope this can help anyone who has any or has been having any problems, and if I can help in any other way, let me know, I'm more than happy to help.