10 easy ways to build more exercise into your life

 

10 easy ways to build more exercise into your life

  1. Make a morning or an evening walk part of your daily routine. Even 20 minutes of brisk walking can burn calories, protect your heart, and give you more energy.
  2. Instead of trying to fit in a 30-minute workout, try to do three 10-minute sessions each day. Research shows that this provides many of the same benefits of a concentrated session.
  3. Exercise as a family. Find ways to be active together, such as exploring a nearby park on the weekend, going for a bike ride around your neighborhood, or even just turning on some music and dancing around your house.
  4. Sign up for a class. Classes are a great way to start an exercise routine. Look into classes at your community adult education center or the local Y.
  5. Make it a habit to walk whenever you can. Park at the far end of the parking lot or down the street from your destination. Walk to a friend's house instead of driving. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
  6. Try scheduling a walking meeting with a co-worker. If it’s feasible, instead of sitting in a conference room together, ask a co-worker to join you for a walking meeting when you have something you need to discuss.
  7. Plan vacations and trips with physical activity in mind. Choose destinations that have places you can explore on foot. You may be surprised by how well you can get to know a new place when you take the time to walk around.
  8. Ask a friend to be your "exercise buddy." Research shows that people who exercise with a friend tend to be active more regularly. So meet a friend for a regular walk, run, or bike ride, or sign up for a class together.
  9. Exercise while you're watching TV. Use the commercial breaks to lift weights, do sit-ups, stretch, or work out in other ways. You can easily fit in a half-hour of exercise or more during two one-hour shows.
  10. Don't forget that regular housework and yard work count as physical activity. Throw a little extra elbow grease into mowing the lawn, gardening, or cleaning the house and you'll get a good dose of exercise.

Talk with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.

 

For more information: http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise

 

Reprinted with permission of Ceridian LifeWorks.