BeFIT Resources

Health & Wellness Tip of the Week 9/17-9/23/12

Become More Active Every Day

We recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise, 5 days a week at a moderate-intensity level. Moderate-intensity activity causes a slightly increased rate of breathing and heart rate. It can be described as feeling “light” to “somewhat hard”.

Easy ways to add this type of activity to your daily routine:

Park the car farther away from your destination.
Get on or off the bus several blocks away.
Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.
Take fitness breaks instead of cigarette or coffee breaks. Walk, stretch or do some office exercises.
Perform gardening, yard work, heavy house cleaning, or home-repair activities.
Avoid labor-saving devices; turn off the self-propel option on your lawn mower or vacuum cleaner, and hide all of your TV remotes.
Exercise while watching TV. For example, use hand weights, a stationary bike or treadmill, stretch, or perform body-weight exercises such as crunches, push-ups and squats.
Keep a pair of comfortable walking or running shoes in your car and office. You’ll be ready for activity wherever you go!
Walk while doing errands.

Benefits of Exercise: Besides making you feel better, regular exercise lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol, reduces stress and prevents Type II diabetes.