11 Tips on… being more physically active
1. Do some gentle stretching or go for a walk first thing in the morning. It will get your blood flowing, improve your metabolism, and will set the tone for a healthy and active day.
2. Walk and talk. Whether it's a casual work meeting, or some talk time with your child or teenager, go for a walk while you talk.
3. Play with your kids instead of just watching them. Find activities that get you all moving, and they'll benefit from the action too. If they enjoy video games, encourage active ones, like Wii tennis and boxing or Dance Dance Revolution—and join them.
4. Take "walking breaks" instead of coffee breaks. If you have a desk job, set an alarm to ring every hour or two so that you remember to take a stretching/walking break for a few minutes.
5. Think about breathing. Taking a few minutes to breathe deeply, fully emptying your lungs of stale air and then refilling them, is not only relaxing and invigorating, but it also exercises your abdomen.
6. Fidget when appropriate, especially during long sitting periods. Tap your feet, swing your legs, raise your arms in a stretch from time to time. Even small movements such as these burn significant amounts of calories.
7. Put extra "oomph" into your housework. Squat down to clean under the kitchen sink instead of bending over; vacuum with energy; mow your lawn with a push mower. Listen to good music and have some fun!
8. Maximize activity while watching TV. Stretch or exercise during shows or commercials. Instead of using the remote, get up to change channels.
9. Stand or pace instead of sitting whenever you can; such as on a bus, during an informal meeting, or when talking on the phone.
10. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator; walk or bike to the corner store instead of driving; park at the far end of the parking lot; walk your dog instead of just letting him outside to roam.
11. Find an active hobby that you enjoy, and that exercises you at the same time. If you have children, take up an active sport as a family.
