Simple Ways to Increase Activity in Your Daily Life

Choosing activities that you enjoy and that can be easily worked into your regular routine will make your lifestyle change achievable and maintainable. There are many different activities we can do but don’t actually consider a form of exercise, such as taking a 10-minute walk around the parking lot at work. Try new things and keep it interesting. Doing something is better than nothing. The little things add up.

Keep the number 10 in the back of your mind: 10 minutes should be the minimum amount of time spent on an activity to have a benefit. For example, if you take your dog out for a walk, spend at least 10 minutes doing so before and after work. Then add an additional 10-minute walk during the day. This will add to your weekly goal. Switch it up a bit by swimming, taking an exercise class, or lifting weights. In the spirit of keeping things easy, have comfortable workout clothes and shoes in the car or at work so you’re ready to go.

Here are some ideas for increasing your physical activity.

At home:

• Walk around the neighborhood or the mall

• Take the kids or the dog out for a walk

• Ride a bike with your kids or significant other

• Clean the house (vacuuming and sweeping burns a lot of calories) or wash the car

• Drive less and walk or bike more

• Do stretches, exercises, or pedal a stationary bike while watching television; try stretching or resistance band exercises

• Mow the lawn

• Play with the kids

• Take out the dusty workout videos

At work:

• Park your car a little farther away or get off the bus one stop early and walk the rest of the way to work

• Take your coffee break and go for a 10-minute walk

• See if there’s an exercise program at work or at a nearby park

• Find out if your office is involved in any team sports you could join

At play:

• Walk, jog, skate, or cycle

• Swim in a pool or at the beach

• Try a dance or yoga class

• Golf (walk the course)

• Tennis or racquetball

• Skiing (snow or water, depending on the season)

• Team sports like basketball, softball, soccer, etc.

• Hiking or nature walks

No matter what activity you choose, the most important thing is to have fun.