Small Steps to Get Active
If you think of getting active as one more thing on your long to-do list, you'll never get moving. That's why we're here—to offer tools that make it easy to integrate activity into your daily life.
You don't need to go to the gym five times a week to be healthy. For instance, did you know that a 45 minute walk at a brisk pace (3 to 4 miles an hour) can burn up to 300 calories? Or that by making small changes in your daily routine -- like parking further away, taking the stairs, and playing active games with your kids -- you can start living an active, healthy life?
Here’s a short list of some of our favorite “small steps.” Check out www.smallstep.gov for a full list.
- #3: Do sit-ups in front of the TV.
- #16: Get a dog and walk it. (Find out more about the Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound program)
- #53: Take small trips on foot to get your body moving.
- #56: Keep a pair of comfortable walking or running shoes in your car and office. (Learn more about worksite wellness)
- #60: Stretch before bed to give you more energy when you wake.
