You may be too busy to include a trip to the gym or a
fitness class in your schedule. But there are lots of ways that you can
include fitness in your life – and have fun with your family at the same
time! Research has proven that active people have more energy, cope with
stress better and enjoy an enhanced quality of life.
| • | Walk, cycle or roller blade to
work.
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| • | Stretch at your desk,
walk in the halls or climb the stairs.
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| • | Replace your coffee
break with a walking break – fresh air and exercise is a dynamic,
stress-relieving combination!
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| • | Organize a lunchtime
walking program at your school or office – convince your colleagues to
start the lunch hour with a 15 or 20 minute walk.
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| • | Or take a fitness class
during your lunch break – if you can’t find one nearby, then start one
at work!
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| • | Going to a restaurant or
running errands at lunch? Shop and dine locally so that you can walk to
your destination, instead of taking the car.
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| • | Encourage everyone to
take a stretch break during meetings.
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| • | Even better, suggest a
‘walk and talk’ meeting – set the meeting agenda, then discuss it while
you and your colleagues power walk on local pathways.
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| • | Start your morning with a brisk,
10 minute walk around the block, then repeat again at the end of the day
– you may find your walks are more addictive than your morning cup of
coffee!
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| • | Videotape some exercise
shows, then invite a friend over for a companionable ‘sweat fest.’
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| • | Going shopping? – find a
parking spot at least a 10 minute walk away from the store.
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| • | Taking the bus? – get
off two stops early and walk the rest of the way.
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| • | Trade your power mower
for a push mower – it’s a great way to get some outdoor exercise and
help the environment too!
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| • | Wear light (1 to 3 lb.)
ankle and wrist weights while doing your housework.
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| • | Put on your favorite
music and dance around the living room for 10 minutes.
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| • | Walk the dog – you’ll
both be healthier and happier!
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| • | Dig, rake, prune and
plant in your garden – gardening is the second most popular physical
activity in Canada. |
| • | Make a personal or family
commitment to discover a new activity each season – try curling,
snowshoeing, hiking, camping, swimming, biking, fishing, skating… the
choices are endless!
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| • | Take a bike ride with
your kids, play catch in the park, go fly a kite.
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| • | See how many 10 minute
walking, biking or roller blading routes you can find in your
neighbourhood – and put them to good use!
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| • | Gather a group of your
neighbours or friends and go for a power walk before work each morning.
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| • | Go line dancing, folk
dancing or ballroom dancing – it’s a great way to meet new people and
get fit at the same time.
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