How to Become More Active

Becoming more active is a sure-fire way to improve your overall health. Activity will help your heart pump more efficiently, your weight remain in control and your outlook sunnier. Instead of being overwhelmed with some huge exercise program, you can make many small improvements that can have big benefits.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Spend time playing with your children or pets. Everybody benefits from chasing around in the back yard, playing basketball or walking the dog together.
2. Instead of a coffee break, take an exercise break and walk around the office a few times. Go see a coworker rather than send her an email.
3. Park your car as far from your destination as you reasonably can. The walk is good for you. Laugh at the silly person arguing over a close parking spot at the gym.
4. Exercise while watching television. Sit on an exercise ball, use hand weights or simply stretch. If you are moving, you're not as likely to snack.
5. Do house work. Scrub the floors, clean the gutters, wash the windows, change the linens or vacuum. Try to avoid labor-saving devices.
6. Invest in a pedometer. Studies show that people who wear a pedometer are likely to increase the number of steps they take each day.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider joining a gym.
• Invest in a few DVDs or videos for days you are stuck indoors.
• Try dancing, tennis, bike riding or some other activity you've never tried before.