How can I be more active each day?

Every bit of activity you perform is a step in the right direction - even if you exercise only a few minutes a day. Increase your physical activity in a number of small ways throughout your day. This adds up and can make a difference in your health.

How to Be More Active at Work

Instead of sitting in a colleague's office to catch up or to have a brief meeting, have a walking meeting.
Use the stairs instead of the elevator.
Park your car at the far end of the parking lot instead of close to the door.
Get off the bus or train a couple of stops early and walk the rest of the way.
Ride your bike to work.
Instead of a coffee break, take a stretching or walking break.
Get up and walk to give messages instead of calling or sending an e-mail.

How to Be More Active at Home

Take a walk after work with your family or friends, or walk your dog. To help make this a habit, you can pick an event to link with it. For instance, every time you turn on the dishwasher to do the dinner dishes, go for a walk.
Carry your own groceries.
Do some housecleaning and be inefficient about it. For instance, make more than one trip up the stairs.
Stop using your kids or hiring someone to run errands for you - get the exercise yourself.
Work in your yard or garden.
Go out dancing, or dance to music at home.
Put up a badminton, volleyball, or basketball net in your yard and challenge family members or neighbors to play.
Pedal your stationary bike while watching television or reading.
When you travel, stay at hotels that have fitness facilities and use them. When waiting in the airport for your next flight, take a brisk walk instead of eating a fattening snack.
Plan active outings, such as hiking, swimming, canoeing, backpacking, and biking, that get your family or friends moving, too.