Take Your Pick

When you start thinking about ways to increase your level of physical activity, make sure you consider all the possibilities for exercising.

Team sports and organized workout programs are fine for some people. But they are not the only activities that can help you slim down and get in shape.

For instance, heavy housecleaning, dancing, walking during your lunch break and mowing the lawn may not be Olympic sports, but they do qualify as beneficial physical activities.

They get your major muscle groups working, raise your pulse, and increase your strength and stamina. Of course, how much you benefit depends on how long and how often you take part in these activities.

If your lifestyle allows you to participate in a variety of activities, concentrate on those that burn the most calories in the shortest period of time.

Obviously, there are a lot of things you can do to increase your level of physical activity. So, take your pick, Just keep in mind that you need to start out slowly. You need to be consistent. And need to stay motivated.

Half of all beginners quit during the first 6 months of a new exercise program ---- usually because they make exercise a difficult chore instead of an enjoyable part of daily life. But that doesn't have to be your fate.

By following a few easy-to-do-tips, you can stay on track and keep moving:

Put some fun in your routines. When you walk, go places that are enjoyable. Walk in the mall, at the zoo or in your favorite park.

Add some music. Walking, Jogging, floor exercises or step aerobic exercises all get easier when you're working to the beat of music you enjoy.

Mix it up. Too much of the same thing is boring. Do what the professional athletes do --- cross train. Walk one day, do some floor exercises the next, then go dancing on the weekend.

Keep in step with a friend. When you exercise with a friend,you benefit because you can talk with someone. Plus, you're more likely to show up for that promised exercise session.

Develop a system of daily reminders. Let your exercise clothes jog your memory. Put them out so you can see them first thing in the morning or when you get home from work.

Get into the routine habit of exercising when a favorite radio or television program comes on.

Set measurable goals. Plan to walk a little farther, or faster, each week. Or exercise a little harder each month to achieve a higher pulse rate.

Remember, a little bit of exercise is always better than none at all. If you're tired, or short on time, work in what little amount of exercise you can. Once you justify quitting, It's harder to get going again. And it doesn't take long to undo the progress you've made.

After just 2 weeks of sitting, you're going to start losing some of the benefits you worked so had to gain. We can develop good habits with exercise also.

As the saying goes. Old habits die hard. Well, so do good habits once we develop them.