Get Active, Stay Healthy

Write down your goal in positive terms, such as "I want to…," instead of "I've got to…."

List your reasons for changing or eliminating your habit.

Start small. Begin with for a comfortable goal. If you choose to walk, wear your pedometer for a week and track how many steps you take on an average day. Increase your steps gradually each week.

Track your progress. Check your progress as you enter your activity on a log, online activity tracker or wall chart.

Vary your routine so you don’t get bored.

Make it a habit. Don’t let bad weather keep you from exercising. On rainy days or in cold weather—find exercise that can be done indoors such as walking the local mall.

Start an exercise group. Get a group of your co-workers or neighbors together and walk together, bike together or run together.

Get creative. If you’re a teacher, consider involving your students by tying this into a geography or history lesson. Have your students track their steps or mileage, and chart the group’s progress.

Train for a fun walk, run or bike ride. Community and fundraising events that benefit a cause happen throughout the year. Find an event in your community that matches your activity and the distance you’re willing go.

Dress comfortably. Think more about how you feel rather than how you look. Dress in comfortable layers that you can shed as you get hot. Most importantly wear appropriate shoes for the activity.

Don’t feel guilty. If you slip out of your routine for a few days, just move on and start again. Don’t let guilt stop you.

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