Want to be able to exercise for longer periods of time? Try these tips from trainers:

Go gradually. Do a little more each time you exercise. Many trainers recommend increasing the time of your workout first — even if it's just a minute a day — followed by the intensity. Aim to build to a minimum of 30 minutes of activity a day.

Choose the right activities. Cardiovascular exercises, which raise heart rate and breathing for an extended period, are the best way to boost endurance (although weights are key to building muscle strength and guarding against injury). Some examples: swimming, biking, hiking, jogging and, at home, raking leaves and mopping floors.

Breathe right. A common rule: You should be too out of breath to sing the chorus of a song or have a lengthy conversation, but not panting so hard that you can't talk or answer a question. You also should never feel dizzy or have chest pain.

Embrace cross-training. Mix up your routines constantly; repeating the same workout will ruin plans to build endurance.

Warm up and cool down. Add stretching and a light activity such as slow walking before and after hard workouts to prevent muscle cramps.

Seek out hills. Go hiking or running on a trail that's not all flat, climb stairs, work out on a stair-stepping machine or set treadmills on an incline.

Drink enough water. As people age, they may not feel thirsty even if they need fluids. Take sips of water throughout a workout, especially if you're sweating heavily.

Live healthy — and be patient. Eat nutritious foods, get enough sleep and realize that you may need weeks or even months to reach the endurance level you want.