Don't even think about exercising

Make physical activity automatic by building it into your everyday routine.

Sporty Family

Do you spend more time thinking, worrying, and feeling guilty about exercise than actually doing it?

Time to get rid of all the mental stress and really get moving. The secret? Don't make it such a big event. Create a life that naturally includes some physical activity. Here are some ideas:

Exercise Your Day Away

In his book, The Blue Zone: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who've Lived the Longest, Dan Buettner shares these ideas for living a more active daily lifestyle:

  • Turn off the gadgets. Trade your TV remote, electric blender, garage-door opener, and snow blower for your feet, arms, some elbow grease, a shovel . . . you get the idea. And turn daily chores into exercise with these tips.
  • Gather round. Exercise naturally becomes a habit when you turn it into a social affair. Consider starting a gardening group, an informal walking club, or a loosely organized sports group, dance club, or exercise class.
  • Park it. The car that is. And leave it home while you bike, walk, or rollerblade to the store, the dry cleaner's, or the neighbor's house. Don't have any walkable errands to run?

More On

Exercise more (even a little) this year

video

Exercise more (even a little) this year
In episode 2 of “Small Changes, Big Results” we discuss the importance of fitness, health, and exercise. Experts weigh in on effective strategies for ...
How this one exercise can add years to your life

article

How this one exercise can add years to your life
You could live longer in just minutes per day.
7 low-impact workouts that burn calories

slideshow

7 low-impact workouts that burn calories
Lose weight—and go easy on your joints—with these aerobic exercises.
Floor bridge to triceps extension

video

Floor bridge to triceps extension
Join us in this detailed video tutorial to learn the precise technique for the Floor Bridge to Triceps Extension exercise
4 ways to care for muscle pain caused by inflamed fascia

video

4 ways to care for muscle pain caused by inflamed fascia
Do your muscles feel sore after your workout?