Six Easy Ways to Get Active
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Looking for ways to increase your physical activity? Here are six simple ideas to incorporate into your daily schedule:
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator. If you need to go up three flights or fewer, take the stairs. Sound like a lot? Start with one flight, and work up from there.
- Park farther from your destination and walk. Get off the bus a few blocks before your arrival spot.
- Take your kids, or grandkids, or neighbor’s kids … to the zoo! Enjoy a few hours' worth of healthy fun outdoors — remember to use sunscreen any time of year.
- Create a walking club. Invite your neighbors, friends, coworkers or family to meet a few times a week at a designated place. It could be a local park, in front of the fountain at lunchtime or at a local shopping center. You’ll be more encouraged to get there if others are counting on you. When you’ve hit your goal each month, “reward” yourselves with a special treat — maybe dinner and a movie together or a potluck meal at someone’s home. What a great way to spend time with friends and do something healthy.
- Go bowling. This fun activity dates back to ancient Egyptians (3200 BC) and has evolved through the years from its early roots. Today's bowling is a great family game and a good workout. Be sure to stretch your shoulders, neck and legs before you begin. If you love it, you can even join a league. Call your local lanes for information, or offer to create one for stay-at-home moms or empty nesters in your community.
- Walk your dog. Talk about incentive! Who can resist an eager pooch who loves to go for a walk? Multiple clinical studies suggest that owning a pet may actually help lower high blood pressure and help manage stress — two very important risk factors for heart disease. Don’t own a pet of your own? You can always borrow one! There may be a working family or an elderly person in your neighborhood who would love to have their dog walked while they’re away.
For more information, please visit www.speakingofwomenshealth.com
