Make Time for Fitness

For most people, getting a handle on the "E" word—Exercise—means joining a gym, buying special work out clothes and equipment. But that doesn't necessarily have to be the case.

Here are some quick tips for adding more physical activity to your life from Cathy Mullooly, M.S., R.C.E.P., C.D.E., Clinical Exercise Physiologist at Joslin Diabetes Center, affiliated with Harvard Medical School, Boston. Bear in mind that you don't have to have diabetes to benefit from these ideas. However, before you start any exercise program be sure to check with your health care professional.

• Get off the bus one step earlier.

• Walk to the store.

• Stand up and move around while making phone calls.

• Cut back on e-mail. Deliver the message in person.

• Do you own yard work.

• Walk up the stairs instead of taking the elevator.

• Park as far away from the store as you can.

• Take a walk around the building on your break at work.

• Walk the dog. Walk with your children.

• Refuse to use the drive-up window.

• After lunch, walk around the building or around the block.

• Don't stay seated for more than 30 minutes.

• Gather some like-minded friends and start a walking club!