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Small Steps
A journey of a thousand miles begins with
a single step.
Lao-tzu
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Most of us know that we need to get more activity in our day, but we can easily find an excuse why we won't go for that walk, make it to yoga class or go to the gym. And honestly, sometimes exercising for exercise sake gets boring. That's why I am constantly trying to come up with new motivations to keep moving. If I don't keep moving, I know for a fact that I will gain those 90 pounds back. It's happened before: I change my eating and exercise habits, lose the weight, then I stop exercising, stop eating healthier and wham. I gain it back plus more. But this time, it is NOT going to happen, and so I keep thinking of how I can make activity more a part of my day and more fun.
Here are some ways I've found to make moving a part of my everyday activity:
- park in the furthest parking space;
- park in one location and walk to my various errands;
- take the long way around the block or in the store; and
- take short walking/stretching breaks when I'm on the computer all day.
But here are some ways that I'll be getting my activity in that isn't just about exercise. You might try...
- gardening -- whether it's 20 minutes after work or a couple of hours on the weekend, my plan is to start making real progress in the yard; pulling weeds, trimming trees, clearing land, making paths, and planting fruit trees (so far, we've planted an 'ulu [breadfruit], a mountain apple, and a fig). It all gets the body moving.
- walking the dog -- I have to admit that my dog Oji (see Small Steps -- food can be part of the solution -- 2009.27
) is overweight (which is a sure sign the owner isn't getting her walks in), and we just got another dog, Dug. My husband named him Dug after the dog in the movie Up. Dug is still young enough to want to go, go, go. So now, I'm not only walking the dogs to help Oji live longer, I'm back into running to keep up with Dug.
- dog agility training -- sure I know, the dog gets most of the exercise, but I figure I will be more active and less likely to snack while I'm trying to work with Dug and Oji. A great way to keep all of us active.
Some other options that you might try.
- If you don't have room for a garden, try container gardening. It may
not require as much physical labor to maintain it, but it certainly will
help you get your fruits and vegetables in.
- If you don't have a dog of your own, many Humane Societies look to volunteers to keep their dogs exercised and socialized.
How can you get more activity in your day?
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| | Did you make plans for a healthier trip or vacation?
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| Vegetable Gardening in Containers from the Texas Agricultural Extension
Container Gardening in Hawaii: How to Grow Paradise in a Pot
by Janice Crowl by Mutual Publishing
Paperback
List Price:
$16.95
Our Price:
$16.95
Buy NowJanice Crowl's blog -- Hawaii Gardening
Hawaii Backyard Conservation: Ideas for every homeowner
Volunteer at the Hawaii Island Humane Society or your local shelter
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| Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
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