Tips to Become More Physically Active

Consult your doctor before beginning any exercise routine.

• Begin slowly and work toward a goal of 30-90 minutes of moderate intensity activity most days of the week.
• Find activities you enjoy and spread physical activity throughout the day.  

• Reward yourself for reaching your goals. Some examples are:

• Buy yourself new sports equipment
• Ask your spouse to take the kids for an hour
• Visit a friend
• Spend more time on your favorite hobby
• Buy yourself some flowers or a plant
• Enjoy a long hot bath

• If the weather is bad, have a backup plan. For example, take a walk in the local shopping mall.

• Wear comfortable and supportive shoes for walking. Leave your sneakers near the door to remind yourself to walk.

• Exercise before work.

OR

Bring a change of clothes to work and head straight for exercise on the way home.

• Schedule exercise on your calendar.

• Try to develop the habit of integrating more activity into your daily routine.

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator
• Park farther away from work or the store
• Walk instead of driving to work or the store
• Take one item up or down the stairs at a time instead of everything in one trip.

• Vary your activity to avoid boredom. Listen to music while you exercise or exercise with a friend.

• Use a pedometer to keep track of your steps