Easy Ways to Be More Active

Is it snowing where you live? Do you find yourself huddled up inside, not going for those walks around the neighborhood like you used to? Or not driving to the gym as much because of sloppy streets and freezing temperatures? Let's face it—it can be so hard to stay active in the winter. Sunny skies, man. They have a way of bringing out the physically active sides of us. But winter, oh winter. It's a less than motivating month, really. But that doesn't mean all is lost. There are so many ways to be more active during these long, cold months. For example:

1) Pick a parking spot that's somewhat far from the door. Don't be so inclined to snag the spot closest to the door. You are perfectly capable of walking a longer distance, right? Sure, it's cold...but what's a few more seconds outside? A few more seconds of activity, that's what. And it all counts.

2) Take the stairs. Sure, the elevator is an easy solution. But if you work in a smaller office building or need to get up to the second floor in a shopping complex, be real. Take the stairs! Your boots where made for walking, and your glutes will help them out.

3) Seek outdoor activities. Despite the cold, winter brings with it a ton of opportunity for outdoor activity. There are the obvious choices like skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing and ice skating. And let's not forget about the sled. Grab your kids, maybe your grandkids, get bundled up and go. It's tough to walk up those hills, even tougher to pull a kid in a sled behind you. But just think of it as a great leg workout. Cardio, too.

4) Invest in a good fitness DVD. There are some really great options out there, but who wants to try them out when it's all sunshine and blue skies for miles? No one. So now is the perfect time. Hit up the fitness aisle at Target. Check out your local video rental place. OR, better yet—hit up YouTube. You'll find anything and everything on YouTube.

Very simply, though. You have to just keep moving. I'm not talking about staying on your feet for 24 hours a day, but I am suggesting that you do what you can to avoid a sedentary life. And the above options are all good ways to do just that, but they're not the only way. Technically speaking, you should be getting at least 30 minutes of activity a day. If that 30 minutes is spent at the gym, hooray. But there will always be days when that's just not possible and that's when things like the above become important.

A new study from Oregon State University, which I recently read about on Science Daily, suggests that "Taking the Stairs, Raking Leaves May Have Same Health Benefits as a Trip to The Gym." The study encourages people to "seek out opportunities to be active when the choice is available. For example, rather than sitting while talking on the phone, use this opportunity to get in some activity by pacing around while talking." All of these little bouts of activity can add up to 30 minutes or more of activity.

This is the image that accompanied the article. Remember the contents within and make sure everything you do supports living an active, healthy lifestyle:

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Question: What sort of things do you do...decisions do you make...throughout your day to ensure the max in activity levels?

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