How to be active!

I feel like as Americans we are so lazy! Many of us live a very sedemintary life style doing as much sitting as we can, that mixed with our very unhealthy diets gives a good explanation to why we are all so over weight.  If you are obsese or overweight, obviously changing your diet is the most important step in becoming healthier, but just small steps can help you become healthier and fitter.  I am writing some basic things that you can add to your daily routine to help you become more active.

• Skip the elevator: Think about climbing three flights of stairs.  That's a lot of work! It probably burns 15-20 calories! Refuse to take the elevator if you don't have to, add stairs and burn an extra 15-20 calories in a few minutes.  It's not difficult either.  Sure until your body and heart get used to you might be out of breath the first few times, but every time it will get easier! Instead of dreading stairs just think about it as, hey more calories I'm burning!

• Park far away.  When you head to Target or anywhere else(unless it's late out and you're alone in a dangerous neighborhood) park far away, give yourself a few minutes of power walking.  If you can make an excuse not to work out, don't make an excuse to why you can't add in a minute or two of some extra walking.  I don't usually park far away because I do a lot of running, but I don't get upset when I don't get the closest parking spot, usually I don't even take the closest parking spot, I don't mind a few minutes to enjoy the sun and the fresh air.

• Take your dog for a walk.  If you have a dog take care of it! Walk it 2-3 miles! It's a great workout for you and great for the dog as well.  It will make the walk more exciting as well.

• Dance!  If you're going to go out to a bar or go out, hit the dance floor.  If you're going to drink excessive calories in alcohol you might as well dance th em off!! Dancing burns a ton of calories and if you hit the dance floor a couple hours just think of all the calories you burn. 

• Make TV time work out time.  When you watch TV, do sit-ups, jumping jacks, run in place, lunges, push-ups, stretch, throw punches, do some kicks, buy a stationary bike or treadmill or  elliptical and use it while you watch TV. Get some cheap dumbbells and do bicep curls while sitting on your couch! Think of all the things you can do.  If you watch two hours of TV a day, that's a pretty good work out!

• Walk or ride your bike: If you're going up the street for something, or only traveling a few miles and don't have a lot of dangerous intersections, walk or ride your bike!! It will save you on gas money and is good for your body! Think about it a win/win situation.

• Play outside with your kids. Instead of watching them or sitting there play with them.  If you take them to the pool get in and swim with them.  Look at how active kids are!!! Try to keep up with them.

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