Tips to Get You Moving
- Do something you enjoy. If you love the outdoors go for a hike or a walk. If you like to shop, turn your local shopping mall or department store in to an indoor walking trail by walking around the store at a brisk pace two or three times a week.
- Make simple changes that add up. Park farther away from the entrance to the store for a few extra steps each day. Use stairs, not elevators.
- Get a partner. Find a friend who wants to get fit and work together. A partner can help keep you motivated, make a walk or hike more enjoyable, and share their experiences with you.
- Walk your dog. Make a commitment to take your dog for a walk every day. Your dog and your body will love you for it.
- Remember, the hardest thing about getting active is thinking about it, but when you do it, you’ll never regret it.
- Be inventive. Use a can of soup for a dumbbell. As you get stronger, increase the challenge with a bigger can or a bag of sugar.
- Try walking for 5 minutes a day the first week, and 10 minutes a day the second week. In a month you’ll have a 20-minute workout.
- Looking for more quality time with the kids? Go sliding. Go for a hike. Play a game of Frisbee. You don’t need to get a babysitter if you make it a family affair. Plus, you are being a role model for healthy living for your kids.
- No one has ever come back from a healthy walk feeling worse than when they started.
- Change it up. If you get bored, you won’t enjoy it. Try something new every few weeks. Learn a new sport. Take a new route on your walk.
- Take up an active hobby. Start gardening. Teach your dog (or the neighbour’s) how to catch a Frisbee. Start a bird watching club.
- Most importantly, have fun. Being active can be as simple as playing a game of tag with your friends and family.