J. Everitt, Contributing writer

Now more than ever, Americans are taking responsibility for their health.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 64 percent of Americans are overweight, and 26 percent are considered obese. The increase in obesity means higher risk for health problems such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and certain types of cancers.

For many people, structured workout programs -- including those you see for sale on television -- may help them take responsibility for their health.

There are many types of structured workout programs, each geared to various levels of fitness. Most of them involve three types of exercises: stretching, aerobic and strength training. Stretching is meant to prevent injury and to warm up the muscles before beginning the more strenuous workout. Aerobic activity helps you reach your target heart rate. As you work up a healthy sweat, the heart and lungs work together, pumping oxygen to your cells. This aerobic level of exercise burns fat. Strength training improves muscle strength, and has been shown to increase bone density. This can reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Structured exercise programs follow a set routine which may involve a specific length of time for each exercise or a specific number of repetitions. The programs are formulated to achieve maximum benefits.

Many are formulated by fitness and health experts and thus can be tailored to a specific group of people. For example, a 55-year-old woman may prefer a structured class setting or a DVD that features functional fitness for older adults. A younger person may prefer something more intense, such as a "boot camp" or the heavily advertised P90X program, which features more intense core strengthening exercises.

There are a myriad of sources available to choose from when choosing a program. You can hit the library for DVDs and books, head to the gym, or check with your city's parks and recreation department to find a program that suits your needs and fitness goals.

For some people, a class or group exercise environment suits their needs best. Guided instruction provided by a fitness professional allows people to easily follow set exercises or routines.

Terri Circelli, a certified personal trainer with 14 years of experience, says that a structured workout program is particularly helpful to beginners. People are often intimidated of starting a fitness program, so having the support of a professional allows the individual to learn about exercises and equipment.

It also may reduce the chance of injury, as the professional can check proper form and posture. Circelli says that many of her clients feel empowered once they get past the learning curve. This type of support can make the difference in helping clients reach their fitness goals.

The most important concept to the success of any exercise program is consistency. Structured exercise programs lay the framework for the workout, but it is up to the individual to do the work. Experts say that it takes anywhere from 21 to 30 days to develop a good habit. In effect, the exercise routine should be performed at least once a day, for 3 to 4 weeks in order for the habit to be adopted. While this requires discipline, there are many benefits to be gained by adopting the habit of regular exercise.

With the subject of health care at the top of the agenda these days, now is the time to take responsibility and start a structured workout program. Anyone can adopt a program into their daily lives whether they are 10, 40 or 80 years old.

Many types of programs exist depending on the participant's level of capability, age or goals. The time to start is now, as the benefits can begin right away.