Tips to increase your activity

• Every day, look for ways to increase your activity. Normal daily activities, as well as formal exercise sessions, can boost your energy.
• You get health benefits from walking the dog, gardening, climbing the stairs, or cleaning the house.
• Ask someone to be your exercise partner. Walk or join a fitness class together.
• Do exercises that promote endurance, strength, balance and flexibility.
• Include activities you enjoy and that fit with your daily schedule.
• Participate in endurance activities 3-5 time a week.
• You don't have to do all your exercise at one time during the day. Try to accumulate short periods of increased activity in 5 to 10 minute intervals for a total of 30 minutes throughout the day.
• Check with you physician before you start any exercise program.

To begin a walking program:

• Start with walking a slow pace and stay on a flat surface. Avoid hills.
• Build your endurance gradually.
• If you haven’t exercised before, begin with as little as 5 minutes of walking and gradually work your way up to 30 minutes of walking on most days of the week. This may take days, weeks or even several months.
• You should be able to carry on a conversation while you walk.
• Always check with your doctor before you begin an exercise program. Stop exercising if you feel dizzy, lightheaded or experience chest pain.