You don’t have to lift weights at a gym or run five miles a day to keep yourself fit. Just changing a few sedentary habits will contribute to your fitness and maybe even shift your attitude about exercise. Here are ten ideas to get you moving.
Shun elevators. Make it a point to use the stairs instead of pushing that “Up” arrow every time. It is better for your body-and your morale-not to overdo it. Start with one or two flights at a time and add more flights only when it feels comfortable.
Park your car far away. You'll get significantly more movement into the day, and avoid that frustrating and time-wasting experience of searching for a “good” parking place.
And keep it parked. If you have to drive downtown for a few errands, park and leave the car. If you're collecting several parcels, walk back to the car to drop them off before you go on to your next errand on foot.
Do two things at once. Add exercise to your everyday activities by stretching and doing leg or arm lifts while you talk on the telephone, brush your teeth, or dry your hair. If you have a cordless phone, walk while you talk.
Dance the dust away. Housecleaning will be a bit more fun (and a decent aerobic workout) if you play danceable CDs while you work.
Play with your kids. And I don't mean video games. Get out there and bike or skate with them, walk up and down the soccer field at practices, climb the slide and use the swings at the playground!
Take the long way. Don't use the closest bathroom. Walk around the block to get where you're going. Put a little distance between yourself and your destination.
Make a walking date. Do you have a local friend you'd like to spend more time with? Suggest that you both get up an hour earlier and meet for a morning walk. Even twenty minutes of striding and arm swinging will do you good.
Buy a bike. Unless you live in an extremely hilly area, taking a bike ride is an appealing and moderate way to exercise. Consider running errands on your bike-it might make you feel like a kid again!
Go East. Many confirmed couch potatoes have been converted after trying such Eastern practices as yoga or tai chi. These meditative and gentle movements enhance both physical and spiritual well-being.
