At Home
- Use a broom to sweep up sidewalks instead of hosing it down.
- Rake leaves instead of using a leaf blower.
- Go for a short walk before breakfast, after dinner, or both.
- Walk or bike to the corner store instead of driving.
- When walking, pick up the pace from leisurely to brisk.
- Stand up while talking on the telephone.
- Walk your dog.
- Park farther away at the shopping mall and walk the extra distance.
At Work
- Whenever possible, stand rather than sit. Walk rather than stand.
- Brainstorm project ideas with a co-worker while taking a walk.
- Stand while talking on the telephone.
- Walk down the hall to speak with someone rather than using the telephone.
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Walk while waiting for the plane at the airport.
- Stay at hotels with fitness centers or swimming pools and use them while on business trips.
- Take along a jump rope in your suitcase when you travel. Jump and do calisthenics in your hotel room.
- Join a fitness center near your job. Work out before or after work to avoid rush-hour traffic, or drop by for a noon workout.
- Schedule exercise time on your business calendar and treat it as any other important appointment.
- Get off the bus a few blocks early and walk the rest of the way to work or home.
- Walk around your building for a break during the work day or during lunch.
- Some experts say it’s ideal to walk 10,000 steps a day, which can be five miles, depending on the length of your stride. Buy a pedometer, wear it five days, and divide by five. If you’re nowhere near 10,000 steps a day, set a reasonable goal. If you clocked 2,000 steps, go for 2,500.
