Walk!
So, you're in the grocery store parking lot and you start driving around because you want to find the closest parking spot to the front. You end up driving around the lot 2 or 3, maybe even 4 times, but you end up finding a good, maybe even "perfect" parking spot. Worth the wait? NO.
Park further away. In fact, park the farthest away possible and walk. Get your exercise. Your body needs some activity. Does it get any? Do you have a desk job? Do you sit at home all day? What kind of movement does your body get? Do you want to "burn" off the fat your body consumes? No activity, no movement, no exercise, means fat sticks to body and you gain weight! Is it worth it?
Start now! Start walking. Park further away. Take the stairs. Say "no" to the elevator. It lessens your chances of getting stuck in one anyway! :o)
I'm not talking full blown exercise at the gym or on the treadmill for 1-2 hours every day. I'm not going to do that. I'm pretty sure I can park further away though and I'm quite sure I can take the stairs. Yes, I may be completely out of breath and sweaty by the time I get to the store or to the 5th floor, but I'm getting a little exercise, which my body is craving!
Also, remember the 1/4 mile rule. If it's less than 1/4 mile away, WALK. If you need to get to your "neighbors" house to bring a message, or dessert, or just to say hello, don't get in the car! Walk. Your legs will appreciate the movement and circulation. If it's raining, grab a raincoat. If it's snowing, dress warmer. If it's looking really wet outside and you can't quite justify bringing the kids in the stroller just to soak them with rain and cold, then can the visit wait? In extreme circumstances, by all means take the car, but remember.... you want results. This is a simple way to get some exercise.
After you've mastered the 1/4 mile, increase to it to 1/2 mile. Then if you're feeling really ambitious and really want to see improvements, increase it to 3/4 mile, and then 1 mile. 1 mile doesn't actually take very long to walk. I can walk 1 mile in 20 or so minutes if I'm taking it leisurely. If it takes you twice that long, then it still isn't that much time out of your day.
Start small. If you totally loathe walking, then take it in baby steps. If you work on the 10th floor and always take the elevator, use the elevator for 8 floors, then walk the last 2. If it's an extreme change, will we do it? Remember, one step at a time!
