Healthy foods are one half of a healthy lifestyle; exercise is the other. At least 30 minutes a day of moving activity, even in three 10 minute bursts, can boost your energy and help reduce the risk of heart disease. Going to the gym every single day isn't a requirement. There are easy ways to add activity to every day:
- Waking up first thing to a few minutes of sit-ups, push-ups or other simple exercises
- Parking at the far end of malls and shopping centers to get extra steps in
- Hopping off the bus one or two stops before your usual stop to enjoy the walk
- Choosing the stairs over elevators and escalators
- Bending, squatting, digging and pulling while gardening count as physical activity
- Dancing counts as great exercise too
- Parks and trails are great for walking alone or with family for low-impact exercise
- Taking 10-minute brisk walks several times a day in or out of parks
- Exercising with one or more friends adds motivation and enjoyment
- Large community centers or malls accommodate walking routines in bad weather
- Turning household chores into calorie burners by moving with purpose