I must confess, I’ve been sedentary most of my life; and sitting behind a desk most of my career hasn’t helped. This year, to improve my overall health, I have committed to getting more exercise; a beneficial goal since exercise helps burn fat, build muscle and increase metabolism. My challenge is that I resist taking a 30-60 minute chunk out of my day to walk or go to the gym.

Instead, I prefer to find bits of time and opportunity to increase my physical activity. When I go to the store, I park at the far end of the parking lot and walk. When shopping, I take the long way around the store to get to the aisle or item I need. At home, I run up and down the stairs a few times, or walk in place while I watch a movie or TV. Pretty standard stuff, but I don’t go shopping or watch movies every day.

So, I recently started doing something a little unconventional. I convert some of that wasted time standing in line or sitting in a waiting room to exercise time, and I walk in place everywhere I can: in line at the grocery store, the hour waiting in line to pick up my Easter Honey Baked Ham, in the doctor’s waiting room, talking on the telephone. Wherever I am, if I am able, I walk in place. Yes, people do look at me funny, but that’s OK. I feel so much better because I am getting my exercise and working my way toward better health!

So if you see me walking in place, come join me!

What creative ways have you adopted towards improving your health?