How to Get Moving

There are dozens of activities that can help your heart and health whether that is walking, running, swimming, dancing, etc. Whether it is an organized exercise routine or just part of your daily routine, all exercise equals a healthier heart.

It’s often easy and safe to work out at home as well as convenient. You can work out while watching TV (on commercial breaks). You can purchase exercise equipment (free weights, resistance bands, yoga mats, etc.) and they can be used by other family members and is a one-time investment. It's easy to have short sessions of activity several times a day. Every minute counts. Here are a few ways to become more active throughout the day:

• Do housework around your home. Vacuum and dusting are great ways to get moving around.
• Work in the garden, mow the grass, and pull the weeds. Using a riding mower does not count! Rake leaves, prune, dig up weeds and pick up trash.
• Walk or bike to the store instead of driving if you live in a safe community.
• Stand up and walk around while talking on the telephone.
• Walk the dog. This is a great activity for both you and man’s best friend.

• Park farther away at the store or mall and walk the extra distance. Carry an extra pair of walking shoes and socks in your car and sneak in an extra lap or two around the mall or store.

  
  

Many of us have desk-bound jobs, and work takes up a substantial amount of our day. What ways can you increase your physical activity during the work day?

• Walk down the hall to speak with someone rather than using the phone.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator or get off a few floors early and take the stairs the rest of the way.
• Travel for work? Stay at hotels with fitness centers or swimming pools and use them.
• Take along a resistance band in your luggage when you travel and do resistance training in your hotel room.
• Join a gym near your job. Work out before or after work to avoid rush-hour traffic, or drop by for a noon workout.
• While on lunch break or any small breaks walk about your building.

Play and having fun are also vital for good health. Look for ways to be both active and having fun at the same time:

• Plan family outings and vacations that include physical activity such as hiking or swimming.
• See the sights in new cities by walking, jogging or bicycling rather than by car.
• Play your favorite music while exercising; pick music that motivates you.
• Dance with someone or by yourself. Have fun. Don’t be afraid and let loose and get moving.
• At the beach, get up and walk, run, fly a kite, or even search for seashells instead of lying out on the sand.

Keep in mind that every minute counts when it comes to exercise and moving around. You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to do intense workouts to get a good workout in. You are one workout from a good mood. Now…get up and get moving!

This was written by Omie Santos and created by Erin Bower (Ebower).

You can learn more about Omie here:

"Call me Omie Santos. Call me a recovering chocoholic and emotional eater. My goal for the future is to build a team of coaches who also want to change lives. I am a 30 year old online health and fitness coach who only wishes to inspire and help those around me. I lost 50 lbs by exercise and eating healthy. Yoga, dancing, and weight training are my favorite workouts."

Contact information:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/OmieSantosFitness

Email: loves2takepictures@gmail.com

Website: www.beachbodycoach.com/omiesantos