Increasing Daily Exercise

Any kind of activity you do, even mowing the lawn, washing your car, or chasing your children, is better than none. But the best benefit from exercise is doing something regularly (more than twice a week) and for 20-30 minutes.

Finding an activity that you really enjoy is the key to making exercise a lifelong habit. Did you know that most people who start an exercise program don’t stick with it for more than six months? That’s because it wasn’t something they really enjoyed.

There are dozens of ways you can increase the amount of exercise you get daily. Listed below are just a few suggestions for incorporating more exercise into your daily routine:

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.
• Park your car at the far end of the parking lot when you go shopping.
• If you take public transportation get off a few stops early and walk the rest of the way.
• When you’re watching television try doing some sit-ups, squats or jumping jacks.
• Get a treadmill, place it in an area where you can watch television while you walk, you’ll be surprised at how quickly the time goes by.
• Sign up for a charity walk.
• Find a work out partner and join a fitness club.
• Take a dance class with your partner.
• Try using a manual push mower instead of a power mower.
• Instead of lingering at the coffee pot take a walk around the office.
• Go for a bike ride.
• Take a walk with your kids, or grandkids, it’s a great opportunity to talk about their day.

Remember – find something you enjoy – it will make it easier to stick with it and start on the road to a healthier lifestyle!

Health & Rehabilitation Services at Jupiter Medical Center include a variety of classes, personal training and aquatic therapy. For more information, call (561) 263-5775.