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Ten Easy Fitness Tips
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Pace While Talking on the Phone
Pacing while talking on your wireless phone can help you burn an extra 35 to 40 calories per hour. Now, if you are walking briskly while conversing on your mobile phone, you greatly increase the number of calories expended. Photo: Getty Images
Take the Stairs Instead of the Elevator
When possible, take the stairs instead of the elevator to reach your destination. Stair climbing is not easy, but definitely a convenient form of exercise. Did you know, climbing stairs firms the buttocks, legs and stomach. Walking upstairs for as little as six minutes a day will make you 10 to 15% fitter. Photo: Getty Images
Follow the 9-inch Diet
Alex Bogusky, author of the book, “The 9-inch Diet”, researched and found that in the span of 30 years, the size of the average dinner plate has gone from 8 ½ inches to 12 inches in diameter. If you are trying to lose weight or just stay fit, use a 9 inch plate, often called a luncheon or salad plate, instead of a dinner plate. By using this technique, you will eat less because you fit less on your plate. This will not work if you go for a second helping. Photo: Getty Images
Bike to Work
If possible, bike to work at least one day a week instead of driving. Bicycling is a good form of aerobic exercise. Cycling to school, to perform simple errands, or to enjoy the outdoors improves your physical fitness, enhances your energy level and can reduce stress. Photo: Getty Images
Drink Plenty of Water
One-third of the human body is made up of water. Every cell and organ in your body needs water to function normally. Drinking at least eight cups of water each day is a good rule of thumb. At the start of the day, fill a pitcher with 64 ounces of water and have a drink at convenient intervals. Keep a filled water bottle in the cup holder of your car, at your work desk, or with you when exercising to be sure that you keep hydrated. Photo: Getty Images
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
When hunger strikes and you are tempted to snack on a candy bar or bag of chips, instead, reach for a piece of fresh fruit or several carrot sticks. Eating at least 2 to 3 cups of fruits and vegetables each day is one way to stay fit. Having a glass of 100% fruit or vegetable juice, an apple, or snacking on mixed dried fruit can help you meet the recommended servings needed for good health. Photo: Getty Images
Go Meatless Once a Week
A heart healthy diet emphasizes reducing saturated fats and red meat. Try having a meatless day at least once per week. Substitute beans, fish, eggs and cheese for red meat. Beans are a good source of protein, vitamins and dietary fiber. Fish, such as salmon or canned tuna, are alternate protein sources, as well as a way to add omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. Photo: Getty Images
Walk Daily
Walking at least 30 minutes each day is an easy way to stay physically fit. Take a walk after dinner, walk the dog or, if possible, walk instead of taking the car, a bus or subway to your destination. Photo: Getty Images
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is often compromised when people lead busy lives. Insufficient sleep increases your risk for serious medical conditions, including obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. According to the website, Healthy Sleep, a resource from Harvard Medical School and WGBH Educational Foundation, lack of adequate sleep over time has been associated with a shortened lifespan. Aim for at least seven to eight hours of sleep daily. Photo: Getty Images
Laugh More
A good laugh makes you feel better. New evidence finds that laughter relaxes muscles and helps reduce stress, strengthens your immune system, lowers your blood pressure, and may help prevent heart disease. Photo: Getty Images
Add a Comment1 Comments
Another tip would be not to take the "closest" parking spot when you visit the store, office, mall, restaurant, etc... that way you have to walk a bit further.
April 13, 2011 - 12:10pmThis Comment