Sister to Sister

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From our Daily Tips: “You Don't Have to Be an Athlete to Be Heart Healthy.”

I know I’m supposed to be active, but the older I get the harder this is to achieve. Back when I was in high school, I was on the volleyball team, had physical education classes a few times a week, and biked around town. It was a breeze!

Once I went away to college, though, everything changed. Classes became first priority and living in a city with a good public transportation system, I found that it was easier to hop on a bus or the Metro instead of walking where I needed to go. I picked up bad habits then that I’m still dealing with years later.

Recently, I decided enough was enough and I’d try to find ways to squeeze in time to move without radically changing my life. It’s been a lot easier than I thought it would be!

As today’s Daily Tip points out, 30 minutes of moderate activity – even in three10-minute sessions spread out during your day – can make a big impact on your life. Scheduling in an an evening walk with the dog (or your kids, or your hubby, or a friend…)  or going outside and walking around your office building  a few times before eating lunch can be just what you need to brighten your mood, stretch your muscles, and get your daily dose of exercise.

Different people have different ways of working in activity. My grandmother is a great gardener, so she gets her 30 minutes (often more!) taking care of the vegetables and flowers she grows. My dad, a photographer, gets his exercise by exploring new places with his camera. My friends in the city fit in fitness by walking instead of catching the bus or driving.

Personally, I joined a gym and am finding time to go by watching the evening news there while I work out instead of watching on the couch when I get home from work. A half-hour show makes the treadmill time fly by, I still get my news fix, and the regular exercise is helping me sleep better, too!

If you have creative ways for squeezing in your 30 minutes, how do you do it? If you don’t, can you think of any small changes you could make to get active?