EASY WAYS TO STAY ACTIVE

At Home

It's convenient, comfortable and safe to work out at home. It allows your children to see you being active, which sets a good example for them. You can combine exercise with other activities, such as watching TV. If you buy exercise equipment, it's a one-time expense and other family members can use it. It's easy to have short bouts of activity several times a day. Try these tips:

• Do housework
• Work in the garden or mow the grass. Rake leaves, prune, dig and pick up trash. Get your children involved, too, for a fun family time
• Go out for a short walk before breakfast, after dinner or both! Start with 5-10 minutes and work up to 30 minutes.
• Walk or bike with the kids to the corner store instead of driving.
• Stretch to reach items in high places and squat or bend to look at items at floor level.
• Keep exercise equipment repaired and use it!

At Work

Work takes up a significant part of the day. If you have a sedentary job, you can try the following to increase your physical activity during the work day:

• Brainstorm project ideas with a co-worker while taking a walk
• Walk down the hall to speak with someone rather than using the telephone
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Or get off a few floors early and take the stairs the rest of the way
• Take along a jump rope in your suitcase when you travel. Jump and do calisthenics in your hotel room
• Participate in or start a recreation league at your company
• Form a sports team to raise money for charity events
• Schedule exercise time on your business calendar and treat it as any other important appointment
• Get off the bus a few blocks early and walk the rest of the way to work or home
• Walk around your building for a break during the work day or during lunch