8 Resolutions You Can Actually Keep

I know we’d all like to be a little more active than we are. Even though I’ve dedicated my life to fitness, there are many times that I don't get to exercise as much as I'd like. But I have found several activities that help me burn calories even when my days are jam-packed with to-do lists and schedules. Staying active every day can not only help you keep excess weight off or lose extra pounds, it can also help you sleep better, have more energy, and ward off depression.

This year, instead of resolving to lose 10 pounds or to never eat sweets again, why not vow to take small steps toward better health? Setting realistic goals makes you much more likely to achieve them, and even tiny lifestyle changes can add up to big results when it comes to getting fit. Here are some simple ways I’ve found to stay moving. Try promising to do one of these—or your own variation—as often as you can. While nothing beats a full workout to keep you healthy and fit, these little one-minute activities can help you maintain your fitness levels during the stressful times when so many of us abandon our workouts altogether. May they help you make 2010 your healthiest year yet.

1. Going up
Whenever you can, opt to take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. To really boost the calorie-burning, climb the stairs two at a time.

2. Sidewinder
You can also walk up the stairs or down the hallway sideways. Just using your body in a way you’re not used to burns calories.

3. Good for your dog, good for you
Turn one of your daily dog walks into a more athletic playtime session. When I need to pack some movement into an otherwise busy day, I chase our dog up and down the driveway. It’s great for both of us—it gets our heart rate up, and we are both a lot calmer afterward.

4. Dance party
Put on one of your favorite songs and dance around the house. If you have kids, put on their favorite song and do it together. It’s so much fun and such a nice way to spend time together, you’ll likely want to keep going for more than one song.

5. Skip to my lou
Whenever you need to walk down a long hallway, skip instead of walk. It gets your heart rate up and is loads of fun. This is another great activity you can do with your kids to get you both moving.

6. A different kind of appetizer
Take a five minute walk before getting your lunch—you have to get up from your desk anyway, you may as well get a little exercise in. You’ll give your metabolism a little rev that will also help you digest your food better.

7. Beat the afternoon slump, naturally
Instead of reaching for latte and a donut to keep going in the afternoon, try these simple squats to boost your energy and get your major muscle groups working: Stand up from your desk chair slowly and squeeze your glutes as you rise. Once standing, squeeze your glutes again and sit down slowly. Before your seat reaches the chair, rise up and repeat for a total of 10- 15 times. 

8. The back of the lot
Park far away from your destination. This is multi-tasking at its best – you’ll be boosting your daily exercise as you also complete your errands. You’ll also be decreasing your stress levels, since you won’t have to race other drivers for the prime spots

Yours in good health,
Kris Wade