How to Exercise in Five (5) Easy Steps

Do you live in a cube  or an office at work?

Do you feel like you are glued to your chair?

Do you want to feel healthier but you don’t find or make the time to exercise?

You know exercise is important, yet you find yourself dreading the very thought of having to fit into an already tight schedule;

Here are 5 easy steps that you most likely already know and will help to get you going -

1. Instead of spending an extra 5 minutes driving around the parking lot looking for the closest space – park further away, then pick your pace walking to the off ice and do the same upon leaving.
2. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.
3. Schedule your mobile cell phone or computer to remind you every hour to take a break – get up and stretch your neck ,shoulders, arms and your legs to help stimulate circulation and ease tight muscles.
4. Make sure you keep hydrated – not with coffee or sodas but with water.
5. During your lunch break, dedicate 15 minutes to just walking, bring your walking shoes, and go!

Invite a friend, and pretty soon you could have a group of you doing this daily.

Bring snacks that are good for you and you like – for example; apples (if you think you don’t like them, perhaps you need to taste test different varieties) At the market, ask the Produce manager to recommend nice crispy sweet apples. Some of my favorites are Pink Lady and Honey Crisp – they a bit more pricey but worth it!

Be sure to have drinking water, not tap.  There are portable purifiers that go right on the top of a water bottle.  If you bring your own – the ones that are now safe to be used on a regular basis, you can also decrease the use of extra containers at work.

Finally, know that these simple steps will make a big difference;

• you will feel better
• be more energized, have a better attitude and motivated to keep going
• your mind will be clearer throughout the day, especially in the afternoons, when the desire to take a nap or start yawning attacks
• your clothes may start to feel looser on you
• you will save money
• print this out, put it where you can see it to support your efforts to be successful and make it a habit you do daily.

Your health both mental and physical is essential to be engaged, effective and productive at work and whatever else you do.  If you have a family, they need you to be your best for them. Ultimately, you are a winning woman taking care of yourself for the reasons that are right for you.

*If you have a medical condition, check with your doctor first before attempting any type of change in your daily routine.