Most New Year's resolutions are easy to make -- and just as easy to break. While most of us want to get fit and healthy the task can seem overwhelming, especially when we set our goals a bit too high -- like vowing to run 10 miles a day when you haven't put on a pair of sneakers since high school!
It takes just 30 minutes of physical activity a day to stay healthy. This January, why not resolve to simply increase activity in everyday life? Activity comes in many different forms -- from walking the dog to shooting hoops -- so you can choose activities that match your lifestyle and interests (and mix it up so it never gets dull). With activity as your New Year's resolution you'll feel healthier, happier and a lot less guilty by the time March rolls around!
This holiday season Virgin Life Care, a member of Sir Richard Branson's world-renowned Virgin group, offers the following tips to get and stay active in 2007.
- In the Neighborhood: Do you want to get more involved in your community? Then get out of your car! Instead of using the drive through teller at the bank or the drive through window at your favorite coffee shop, park in the farthest spot from the entrance, walk across the lot, open the door, and go inside.
- Around the House: Turn household chores into a workout by doing things the old fashioned way. Get on your hands and knees and scrub the kitchen floor. Use a push mower rather than a ride-on to cut the lawn. Rake leaves instead of using a leaf blower. Maybe hard work and a little elbow grease really was grandma's secret to a long life?
- At Work: Even work can be a work out when you abandon convenience. Use a bathroom or a water fountain on a different floor of your building. Go for a lunchtime stroll with co-workers. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or the escalator. Join your corporate softball league. By increasing activity at work you'll have more energy in every aspect of your life -- from the boardroom to your family room!
- At Play: Watching TV does nothing for your figure. Why not rediscover your inner child by going outside to play? Round up some old friends and play a game of flag football in the backyard. Join the kids in shooting hoops down at the park. Dust off your bike and go for a ride around the block. All of these activities count as exercise, plus they provide a pleasant distraction from the grown up world of taxes, bills and dry cleaning!
- Everywhere: Make the conscious decision to get and stay active wherever you go. Walk instead of drive. Go bowling instead of sitting on the sofa. Spend your vacations hiking, boating or swimming instead of basking on the beach. The more you move the better you'll feel and the healthier you'll get!
With Virgin Life Care's HealthMiles program you'll stay motivated to stick to your resolution because you can earn Miles for all of the activity mentioned above -- from walking to stair-climbing to dancing and more. HealthMiles is like a frequent flyer program but instead of earning Miles for flying, members earn Miles for getting active and leading healthier lives. These Miles can be redeemed for products at over 50 national retailers across the country, including athletic gear, housewares, movie tickets, travel vouchers, clothing and more. For more information visit www.virginlifecare.com.
SOURCE Virgin Life Care
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