Small steps

I found a few ways to fit fitness into my everyday life. Small steps lead to big benefits.

Speed Walk Your Errands
Ignore the metro. Walk through your day, as much as possible. We all get into the habit of taking e metro two or three stops, especially if we have a monthly pass. Instead, walk to your destination.

Play in the Park
It's summer time. Go play in the sun. Head to the park for a couple of hours of play. Bring a Frisbee or football or American football. Before you know it, you've worked up a sweat having fun with your friends. You've incorporated some activity into your social life.

Stand and Flex
When waiting in line at the grocery store or bank or metro or elevator, I have begun to flex my abs for 10 seconds and repeat 10 times, or calves for 5 seconds and repeat 5 times. It's core work, which I must be honest, I hate to do. But this way is easy and it passes the time while you're waiting.

Go the Long Way
Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Or find a parking spot far away from your building so you get a little extra walking. If you ride the bus or metro to work, get off a stop or three earlier and walk the extra distance.

Email and Call Less
Instead of calling or emailing a coworker, get up from your desk and walk over and chat with them. Or if you're like me, arrange to meetup for stroll with your friend instead of catching up with them over email.

Wake Up and Give Me 50
Before you get into the shower in the morning, do 50 crunches and push-ups on the floor of my bedroom. It takes only about five minutes to complete, but it sets the tone for my day. Honestly, I'd rather run 5k in the morning, but on rest days this is a great way to raise your metabolism. And, with your muscles aching, you'll feel like you've done something with your day already.

Add 15 Minutes to Dog Walk
On the days when I know it'll be tough to fit in a workout, you can add an extra 15 minutes to the walk.

Remember that small steps a little at a time will add up to some big benefits.


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