The trick is to get past the idea that exercise is something you do when you feel like you have to lose some weight. Movement needs to become something you do during your day, just like brushing your teeth or showering. If you don't do it, life seems off. The hard part is to get to that place where movement is a part of you.
Find something you enjoy doing, like dancing, yoga, or swimming. Exercise doesn't have to be a boring treadmill or toe touches. My belly dance classes are very social and we end up sweating and toning for an hour while laughing and encouraging each other and building each other's body images.
Walking is probably the easiest and one of the best ways to tone and lose weight. If you have a dog, you have a built in reason for taking a walk. You can get a cheap pedometer and set goals to walk a bit further every few days.
My best to everyone for a happy and healthy 2012! Shimmy on!