Some ideas on how you can find time to get exercise

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> Some ideas on how you can find time to get exercise

> The Daily Herald

>

> The harried lifestyles many of us lead today often provide the excuse, " I

> don't have time to exercise. "

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> We may not have time to train for a marathon, but we do have time to

> increase the amount of physical activity in our daily routines. Fifteen

> minutes of brisk activity twice a day is a good place to start. Once you

> begin to feel the benefits of increased activity, you can find time to add

> more activities.

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> Just why do we need to get moving? Because physical activity can help lower

> risk of a heart attack, control weight and blood pressure and improve bone

> density.

> According to the American Heart Association, exercise helps control blood

> lipid abnormalities, diabetes and obesity. Aerobic exercise also has an

> independent, modest blood-pressure-lowering effect for certain groups of

> people with high blood pressure.

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> Additionally, research indicates that people who modify their behavior and

> exercise regularly after heart attack hve better rates of survival and a

> better quality of life.

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> Set a goal for you and your children to get at least 30 minutes of physical

> activity a day, three to four days a week. Fitting physical activities into

> your daily routine is easy if you follow some simple tips for success:

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> . Take a walk.

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> . Walk or bike to the corner store instead of driving.

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> . Jog around the block.

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> . When watching TV, sit up instead of lying on the sofa. Better yet, spend

> a

> few minutes pedaling on your stationary bicycle. Throw away your remote

> control; get up to change the channel.

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> . Park farther away at the shopping mall and walk the extra distance.

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> . Turn on some music and dance.

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> . Take 10-minute breaks with your kids while they're doing their homework

> or

> watching television to walk, dance or otherwise exercise.

>

> . At the office, take the stairs instead of the elevator. Or get off a few

> floors early and take the stairs the rest of the way.

>

> . Get off the bus a few blocks early and walk the rest of the way to wrk or

> home.

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> . Walk around your building for a break during the workday or during lunch.

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> Physical fitness is not a destination, but a journey - a way of life. By

> making physical activity part of your life, you can improve the way you

> look, feel and work. Whether it is a structured exercise program or just

> part of your daily routine, all exercise adds up to a healthier heart.

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