Exercise

Exercise and healthy eating go together to produce a healthy lifestyle! Many of us have internal excuses why we can't do either one! We have all been guilty of planning activity, but failed miserably! We are busy. We don't have time to drive to the gym, the weather is too bad for that promised walk, and it's too hot or cold out, or any other number of excuses!

The good news is that some exercise is better than none. Fifteen minutes of activity a day, or 90 minutes per week, is enough to cut your risk of death by 14%, compared to inactive people. That is a huge healthy diet habit to adopt.

Family Biking at Olympic Valley, CA where Squaw Valley, USA is located - used with permission from their website.

Please take the time to add movement to your life. Start slow, if you are out of shape. You do not need to be an extreme sportsperson. Brisk walking is enough to help control diabetes! Start by adding a 10 minute walk to your routine! Add 5 minutes to your walk each week.

Aim for walking for at least 30 minutes per day, but break it up into 10 minutes allotments, if you need to. It all counts, just get moving! Buy a pedometer to track your steps and increase them daily. You do not need an expensive gym membership either, to improve your health, just a kick out the door!

Workouts at Home

• Walking or Running

• Water Aerobics/Swimming (if you are lucky enough to have a pool)

• Family Activities centered on activity

• Free Weights / Strength training

• Home equipment

• Wii Exercise Games or Videos - See some top recommended fitness games and one to avoid!

Workouts Away from Home

Pictured: My son, Zach Bacon Snowboarding

• Gym memberships / Workplace Gyms

• Biking

• Hiking / Backpacking

• Skiing / Snowboarding

• Swimming

• Classes

• Steps, Steps, and more Steps

Hiring a Personal Trainer

Hiring a Personal Trainer is a great option if you've joined a gym, and you don't know how to use their equipment, or you just want help getting started with a fitness program. They help keep you motivated, and accountable.

They are expensive, but many gyms have special deals when you first join, around the holidays and the first of the year, or offer group training so you can cut the costs by going in with a couple of your friends. Many gyms also offer free classes that Personal Trainer's teach, so there are lots of options out there!

Kayaking at Lake Tahoe - used with Permission from the Resort at Squaw Creek in Olympic Valley, CA

Making lifestyle solutions can add years to your life! All activity and extra steps are great. Park at the end of all parking lots, walk in the malls, and walk up all steps, never take an elevator, join your local gym, develop new hobbies centered on activity, or hire a personal trainer for a few sessions to educate and motivate you.

Make these changes permanent habits. A new habit takes about 30 days to develop. Thirty days could change your life! You can do it!