Upper Valley Trails Alliance

P.O. Box 1215, Norwich, VT 05055. Tel (802)649-9075

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Strategies for a More Active Lifestyle There are as many ways to make a lifestyle active as there are lifestyles in the world. Getting a gym membership, or jogging five miles a day might seem like the only options sometimes, but they're not. Below is a list of suggestions compiled from a variety of sources - try the ones you think will work best for you, but don't be afraid to experiement. Combinations of different ideas are fine too; there's no wrong way to get active!
At Work Walk or bike to work Take the stairs instead of an elevator Walk to and from lunch, or on your lunch hour Park your car further away Drive to a co-worker's house and walk to work with them Walk to and from errands Get off the bus a few stops earlier Use coffee breaks for walks instead of (or even with) coffee	At Home Get a dog - Walking it can be a great excuse to walk yourself Walk after dropping your kids of at school Walk while waiting to pick up your kids from school Use a push lawnmower instead of a ride-on Shovel the driveway rather than use a snow thrower Rake the leaves rather than use a leafblower Plant a garden - maintaining it can be good exercise Play games with your kids everyday - It will keep them active, too Exercise while watching a TV show
Anywhere 25% of all car trips at less than a mile - walk or bike instead Buy a local trail guide for walk ideas- the variety should keep things interesting Take a walk after every meal Get up 30 minutes earlier to be active in the morning Use peer pressure - find some friends who also want to get active and walk daily with them Look into trying winter activities, so the change in seasons won't slow you down
Remember, if you haven't been active in a while, take it easy at first. Making yourself too sore to move hardly counts as Active Living. Also be sure that any equipment you use is in good shape. Buy new running or walking shoes if your current pair is worn, and makes sure your bike is tuned up and in good shape. Try to anticipate the weather and dress accordingly, remember to drink plenty of water, and don't feel bad about taking short breaks if you get tired. Despite what you may think, "no pain, no gain" has nothing to do with an active lifestyle.