Make a commitment - even a small one - to exercise seven days a week. Begin with 20 minutes of activity every day; this can be broken down any way you need it throughout the day.
Tips:
- Enlist the company of a buddy - you can support and motivate one another.
- Carry around a notebook and keep a record of your activities and their duration. As time goes on, increase the amount of exercise per day.
- New moms can join an aerobics class specially designed for moms and their babies. You can network with other moms, stay fit and keep an eye on the baby.
Steps:
- Try walking, biking or skating to work. If this takes longer than your usual commute, plan ahead: Pack your briefcase and lay out your clothes the night before. Remember to have an extra set of clothes at work for a quick after-commute change, if necessary.
- If an alternate commute is impossible, get off the bus a little earlier and walk the rest of the way, park at the far end of the lot or take the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Make use of your lunch break. Play a quick game of racquetball, make a speedy gym visit, go for a jog or take a brisk walk (use some light hand weights for a bonus workout).
- Stretch at your desk. This reduces muscle tension, gets your circulation moving and prepares you for more strenuous activity later.
- Do some chores. Mow the lawn or rake the leaves for 20 minutes. Housework burns calories, and you have to get the work done anyway.
- Play games with your kids. Shoot some hoops, play some hopscotch or toss a ball.
