Quick Tips: Fitting Physical Activity Into Your Day
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Many of us are so busy that fitting in physical activity can seem impossible on most days. But here's some good news: It doesn't have to be a certain amount each day, as long as it adds up to at least 2½ hours of moderate activity a week.
Ideas for fitting activity into your day at home:
Take a few walks or bike rides during the day.
Use a free smartphone app or online exercise video.
Take a dance break.
Push the lawn mower, rake leaves, or shovel snow.
Give the kitchen floor a good scrubbing.
Wash the car, clean the garage, or wash windows.
Play Frisbee, hopscotch, or jump rope.
Walk or bike to the store.
Walk the dog.
Read a newspaper or magazine on a stationary bike.
Ideas for fitting activity into your day at work:
Use your commute to work to do some extra walking.
You can park several blocks away, or get off the bus a few stops early.
Take the stairs.
Use the stairs instead of the elevator, at least for a few floors.
Take more walks.
Suggest holding meetings with colleagues during a walk. Or use your breaks to take quick 15-minute walks.
Go the extra distance.
Get your coffee on another floor (use the stairs). Or use the restroom that's the farthest from your office. Walk to a coworker's office or workspace rather than using email or the phone.
Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine Elizabeth T. Russo MD - Internal Medicine
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Elizabeth T. Russo MD - Internal Medicine
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