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. 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.

•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.