10 Ways to Increase Your Physical Activity

Exercise is important to a healthy lifestyle but you don't have to run a marathon to do it. It's time to make a brain shift. Instead of focusing on the 'exercise' you should be doing and never do, focus on increasing your physical activity. As the song says, You've got to move it, move it!

Here's a short list for you. Print it off and highlight the ones you're going to do.

1. No more channel surfing between commercials. While you're waiting for your favourite show to return. Mute TV. Stand up stretch to the ceiling. Do a few ankle rotations. Then walk to the kitchen and a get a glass of water. Next commercial break, stand up, stretch to the ceiling then do a calf stretch. Next commercial break, stand up and do some side bends. You get the idea. Make use of those commercial breaks.

2. Go up and down the stairs in your house/apartment building at least three times a day with conscious effort. Use those leg muscle for what they were made for.

3. Park in the middle of the parking lot instead of by the door. When you can do that comfortably then park at the opposite end of the parking lot. Once you've done this for a couple months it's such a habit you don't even realize it anymore. If I'm with someone I really notice when they park close.

4. Take a fifteen minute walk in a nice park. You know where the parks are. Even if you drive there, it doesn't matter. You're not speed walking, save that for the athletes. A leisurely stroll is better than sitting on your butt. Try to fit one on during your lunch break too.

5. When there are stairs, use them. Avoid the ramps, escalators etc. We've become so use to these things are legs are forgetting what they can do. It's it going to be uncomfortable the first time, probably not the second either, but it'll be easier the next time.

6. Have a small set of hand weights next to your chair to work on your arm and shoulders between chapters of the latest book you're reading.

7. If you work at a desk job make a point of getting up every 50 minutes and stretching. Maybe do some leg lifts. Who cares if someone sees? Maybe they will get the urge to join you the next time you do it. Or better yet. Make it an office wide activity for everyone to join in. If you're the manager offer bonus points as an incentive.

8. Brush the dog and the cat. Get out the grooming supplies that haven't seen daylight for months and give your pets a good grooming. They may not thank you but they'll look good and you'll feel better too.

9. Brush your own hair. Get those arms moving. This is an excellent way to increase your upper arm movement by putting a gentle stress on your arms.

10. Change the sheets on your bed. This is always a full body workout. There's lifting, stretching, pulling, fluffing. Don't forget to turn your mattress. If you have a really big bed and low upper body strength then make sure you get help turning it. Then wash those sheets!