How many times have you made a resolution to start and exercise program only to find yourself back in the same sedentary routine a few months later? This time stop promising to start a new exercise program and instead take the small steps towards better health. Literally take small steps. Walk off those extra calories and then kick start the exercise plan down the road. Here are few places to find those extra steps in your daily life.

Walk the kids to school, if you live close enough. A casual one mile walk takes about 15 minutes. How much time does it take to get the kids in the car, find a place to park at school, and then navigate the traffic back home…about 15 minutes. And think of the conversations you will have with your kids along the way.

Take the stairs. I know you have heard this before but it is one of the simplest ways to stay in shape. No you don’t have to walk up seven flights of stairs to work every morning but perhaps you walk the first two flights and then catch the elevator. And don’t forget, climbing those stairs builds muscle and makes your calves look great.

Stick some casual shoes under your desk at work and take a brief walk during your lunch hour. During the middle of the day you need a break.   This is a great way to recharge your batteries. You get out of the office, have some time to yourself and come back to your desk feeling refreshed. 

Get your kids to take a walk with you after dinner. Our kids learn by example not by what we tell them to do, imagine that. (Like you really enjoy eating all those vegetables at dinner.) Pick a fun destination like the park. You will be amazed how quickly they fall asleep when they walk to the park, play, and then walk home. When you sit around the house watching TV that is the lifestyle they pick up and will repeat when they’re older. Teach them good habits now, and start them on a life of activity.