Many people will be getting out their exercise equipment this week to start their annual New Year's resolutions.

The Tennessee Department of Health wants "getting fit" to be on your list of things to do in 2013.

Tennessee ranked 48th in the country for physical activity, which makes the Volunteer State more prone to illnesses and shorter lives with less energy.

Cardiologist Jonathan Burress said people should have a check up with a doctor to find out what kind of exercise is best for the long run.

"That way they can be given that bill of health to start that exercise programs," he said. "But people also need to start slowly.None of this weekend warrior things that ends up getting people in trouble."

Burress encourages his patients to walk four times a week for us to 45 minutes.