"What motivates you to stay active?"

"This sounds corny, but health is the key to happiness. You can't enjoy many of life's pleasures if you don't have your health."
CORPORATE TRAVEL MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVE
Chicago, IL

"Your body is the interface to the world around you, and if it isn't working well, you can't function properly - it's like trying to run a good program on a computer that's broken or can't keep up. I guess I think of exercise as system maintenance."
SOFTWARE ENGINEER
San Jose, CA

"I've gotten so used to regular activity that a missed workout puts me in a really grumpy mood."
ART DIRECTOR
Birmingham, AL

"Knowing how I'll feel when I finish a workout. I know I need to stay active to manage the stress in my life so that I can be a more productive, energetic person. Nice weather is also a great incentive because there are many fun activities to do outside. And having friends who are physically fit and active motivates me because we plan activities together."
PROJECT COORDINATOR
Bethesda, MD

"Youth. My mother is my inspiration. She is active; power-walking, eating right and teaching water aerobics. She looks 10 years younger than most women her age. I hope to follow in her footsteps."
DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Indianapolis, IN

"A good novel is my best motivation. I rent books on tape and discipline myself to only listen to them when I'm walking. A 16-hour book, rented for a month, is just about the right length for a daily 30 minute walk."
EDUCATION DIRECTOR Chicago, IL

As you begin to add steps to your day, you will see that the key to becoming more active is learning to identify opportunities for physical activity - and taking advantage of them as they arise. Here are some tips:

  • Get off public transportation a few stops early and walk the rest of the way to your destination.
  • In safe areas, park your car at the back, or on the lowest level of garages and parking lots to increase your walk or climb.
  • Use the stairs instead of the elevator. To get started, ride the elevator to a midway point and climb the rest of the way. Add more floors as you build stamina.
  • Walk to lunch spots at a distance from your office instead of always frequenting the corner cafe.
  • Allow time to walk to meetings. If close by, walking can be faster and cheaper than taking a taxi or bus.
  • Join a nearby health club and work out during lunch, or before or after work. A well-timed workout can give you a needed second wind.
  • Take advantage of speaker phone, and get up and move around during calls. Standing burns more calories than sitting down.
  • Take a water cooler workout. Get up to refill your water cup. (You need at least eight cups of fluid each day to keep hydrated.)
  • Enjoy activities with friends and family - go dancing or bowling instead of to the movies.
  • Sign up for a community sports team - you'll meet new people, have fun and get in shape at the same time.
  • Treat yourself to an aerobics class or try a low-impact aerobics video at home.
  • Don't drive up to the supermarket - carry your groceries to your parked car, and unload the bags at home.
  • If safe, walk within your apartment building using stairs to go between floors. You can walk miles this way, no matter what the weather!
  • Lose your remote control. Get up to change channels on your television, or to select a radio station or compact disk.

    • Table of Contents - Shape Up America! - BMI Center - Health & Fitness Center - Library