MATC Matters

If you are like most people, it is a challenge to find a minute to yourself, let alone find time for an hour workout. When reviewing reasons why people do not exercise, “lack of time” would hold the all‑time record for being number one on the charts. Regardless of the reason for a lack of physical activity, consider this idea, your body was designed for movement. Take the time now to start incorporating movement into your daily routine; in fact, it may not be as hard as you think.

Consider how you may respond to the following questions:

• What type of physical activity do you enjoy?
• Review your daily routine, what can you make time for?
• What are you currently doing in terms of activity?
• How will you measure your success?

Here are several ideas on how to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. Of course, you are encouraged to include your own ideas that work best with your daily routine.

I will……

• Take a walk on my break.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator (at least once/day).
• Turn off the TV.
• Play active games with my kids.
• Walk the dog.
• Scrub the floor.
• Try a group exercise class.
• Enroll in a yoga class (check out exercise and yoga classes at MATC) (PDF: 48KB)
• Take a five-minute stretch break every hour of sitting at my desk/computer.
• Walk to the end of my block and back at least once a day.
• Start a strength training routine.
• Use half of my lunch for physical activity.
• Find an exercise buddy.
• Buy a new pair of tennis shoes.
• Walk while my child is in practice or lessons.
• Go on a family bike ride.
• Make a date with a friend to share an activity…walking, bicycling, etc.
• Wake up 20 minutes earlier and walk, run or do an exercise video.
• Get in 20 minutes of conditioning exercises after I’ve put the kids to bed.
• Stretch every time I get up from a seated position.

Source: Wellness Councils of America

This information is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult your physician with any concerns you might have regarding this information.

For more information, contact Cindi Rutten, Employee Health & Wellness coordinator at 243‑4133.