Just Keep Movin'

You don't have to belong to a gym or go to an exercise class to get a good workout. Rather look around your home for chores that need to be done. You will accomplish two things at once - the chore will be finished and you will have exercised!

Studies show that doing moderate exercise for 30 minutes everyday will improve your health and fitness level. Here is a list of activities that would qualify for this level of activity. Some of the items in this list are downright fun in and of themselves.

• Washing and waxing a care for 45-60 minutes

• Washing windows or floors for 45-60 minutes

• Gardening for 30-45 minutes

• Raking leaves for 30 minutes

• Walking two miles in 30 minutes

• Shoveling snow for 15 minutes

• Climbing stairs for 15 minutes

Another piece of good news: If 30-45 minutes a day seems like a long time to be doing one thing, that's probably because it is. You can string together 10-minute bouts of any of the above activities until the combination adds up to a day's worth of exercise. The payoff: stronger bones and muscles, fewer falls, and an independent and fulfilling life. So just keep moving!

by Carol Glasscock, MS,PT