What can I do to be more active?
- Walk, cycle, jog, skate, etc., to work, school, the store or place of worship.
- Park the car farther away from your destination.
- Get on or off the bus several blocks away from your final destination.
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.
- Play with children or pets. Everybody wins.
- If you find it is too difficult to be active after work, try before work. Take fitness breaks--walking or doing desk exercises--instead of taking cigarette or coffee breaks.
- Perform gardening or home repair activities.
- Avoid labor-saving devices, for example, turn off the self-propelled option on your lawn mower or vacuum cleaner.
- Encourage a group to take regular Saturday morning walks.
- Walk while doing errands.
- Wash and wax a car for 45-60 minutes.
- Wash windows or floors for 45-60 minutes.
- Garden for 30-45 minutes.
- Rake leaves for 30 minutes.
- Take a break to walk the stairs for 15 minutes.
- Dance fast (social) for 30 minutes.
- Jump rope for 15 minutes.
- Play basketball (shoot baskets) for 30 minutes.
- Walk around while you are on the phone.
- Limit TV remote control time.
(published with permission in writing from:http://www.idph.state.il.us)
