 Sticking to Lifestyle Changes: Increasing Physical Activity
Sticking to Lifestyle Changes: Increasing Physical Activity
How do I pick activities I can stick with?
You don't always need high-intensity exercise to improve fitness and decrease health risks.
Increasing the amount of moderate physical activity (like walking or gardening) has clear health benefits.
Start with simple, everyday activities that are fun and easy for you to do.
Walking 10 minutes a day is a good place to start for most people.
Pick a few activities that you can make part of your daily routine.
Slowly increase how often and how long you do an activity.
Start with low intensity and slowly increase the intensity.
Don't overdo it when you start out.
Daily Activities
Park your car further away from work or from the entrance to a shopping mall.
Get off the bus one stop early and walk the rest of the way.
Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Walk upstairs every time you have something to carry up, instead of waiting for a pile.
Walk down the hall to talk to a coworker instead of picking up the telephone.
Walk to a nearby store rather than driving.
Do yard work instead of hiring someone else to do it.
Use a rake rather than a leaf blower.
Use a lawn mower that you push (but still gas-powered) instead of a riding mower.
Go for a two-minute walk around the house during TV commercials (especially food commercials!).
Do stretching exercises while watching TV.
Stand up while you're talking on the telephone instead of sitting. |