7. Walk Through a Movie: Choose to forgo the recliner as you watch that latest new release. Move during your movie. Pace around your living room while keeping an eye on the screen, or walk or jog in place. Two hours will pass quickly and that can add up to several thousand steps. This is usually one of my favorite ways to grab an easy 5-mile walk while staying indoors. Not up for two solid hours of moving? Vow to move the first 20 minutes of each movie you spend time watching. A quick way to accumulate to nearly 2,000 steps!
8. Pace on the Phone: Pace through the house as you enjoy a chat on the phone. Steps add up when you form this simple habit. This is another example of using hidden minutes. Commit to move during your next 5 calls.
9. Stand Through Your Sit-Down Tasks: Make it a point to stand as you fold laundry, go through the mail, or write out all your bills. You'll find you can add many steps to your overall day this way. Then when the laundry needs to be put away and the bills put in the box outside - Don't delegate these duties! Think of them as a few more chances to push for your steps or miles goal for that day.
10. Dance, Dance, Dance!
Boogie down to some great fast music while you cook, clean or manage any other chore. Feel your mood instantly lift and your feet will get happy as well! Time flies when you are listening to the cool rock bands you grew up with as a teenager. Let yourself remember those days and smile.
Energy Saving Is a Problem
There truly are hundreds of floating minutes in our day which are open for walking; we only have to look to find them! A century ago, without all the modern conveniences we have today, a person needn't make extra time for exercise. Moving was just a given. Now, however, with all our time-saving contraptions and energy-saving appliances, we have to include exercise in our day just as you include sleeping. It has to become and remain a priority on your own to-do list.Walk Your Way to a Christmas Bonus
You can meet your walking goal every winter day this season! Just remember: As you rush around handling all the last-minute details of Christmas time, be sure to take time out for you too, even if it is in small increments! Then as the colder, winter days pass and the bright, new days of spring approach, your fitter, more energetic body will thank you.Free Walking Programs
Step Counters Pedometer Walking Program: Get started using a pedometer to track your daily steps.Walk of Life 10-Week Program: Daily walking and weight loss program.
Let's Get Walking: Beginners walking program.
Back: 10 Tips to Add Walking to Your Holidays
About the author: Selina Sills writes nostalgia, poetry, non-fiction and suspense as well as some fiction and humor. She has several published poems and essays, both online and in print. Selina also currently enjoys writing for her hometown newspaper. She lives in a suburb of Houston, Texas with her husband and children.
Last Updated: 12/4/05
