Move!

As I was growing up, I was focused on efficiency. Influenced by the book Cheaper by the Dozen written by an efficiency expert, I worked hard to take as few steps as possible. Even now, if I get up from my desk, I try to plan to do 2 or 3 things in a particular order so as to maximize the efficiency of my actions.

Unfortunately that very habit of trying to be efficient ends up adding weight! So I have had to make a conscious effort to move more - not more efficiently. For example, instead of getting up from my desk and moving clothes into the dryer, using the restroom, then refilling my water and returning to my desk in a single trip, I now take a trip for each task. Yes, it takes more time, but it also keeps me on my feet and adds to my step count as I'm doing it.

Where can YOU add steps to your day?

I'm a firm believer in setting your step goal low to start so that you can ensure success day after day. But when you are consistently hitting that goal for a week, it's time to stretch to the next number. It may be that you move from 1,000 step goal to 1,500. Or from 8,000 to 9,000. Start where you are to move more.

Moving not only burns more calories, but it also builds leg muscles. Those are the large muscles that will burn more calories over time. So it's really a double-win to just walk more.

How else can you move more? Take an exercise class. Start gardening. Play with your kids on the jungle gym, instead of sitting on the bench watching them. Every movement counts!

So get out of your chair - and move!

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