Alternative exercise

The USDA is now recommending 90 minutes of exercise a day for weight-loss. "Thompson and Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman portrayed the guidelines as an "important tool" in fighting the nation's weight epidemic." The committee recommended: "Everyone should get a minimum of 30 to 60 minutes each day of moderate exercise — brisk walking or bicycling, for example. Losing weight will require 60 to 90 minutes of more intense daily exercise." That seems unattainable. However, it doesn't have to be all at once, and you can incorporate daily activities into your life that doesn't feel like exercise and doesn't take up any more time. Try some of these time-saving exercise suggestions and see what you think:

1. Walk or bike instead of drive, whenever you can.
2. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
3. If you take the bus or subway, get off 1 or 2 stops early and walk the rest of the way.
4. Park farther away from your destination and walk the rest of the way.
5. Remember that carrying groceries, gardening, vacuuming, and scrubbing toilets can be exercise. Put some music on, and see how fast you can get it done! I know it's not fun, but isn't it on your to-do list anyway?
6. Take your dog for a walk.
7. Go to the dance club and dance! (Avoid the drinks--they're just empty calories).