NoExcusesGym

 Some of us wonder how we could possibly squeeze in any time for exercise and proper nutrition, given today’s lifestyles. But there are simple ways for all of us to stay active and eating well despite busy schedules.Here are 10 tips  culled from several websites to help you do just that.

•  Buy a big bottle of water, drink from it throughout the day, even if you have to fill it up more than once;

•  Walk the dog, even if it’s for a half-hour or just around the block - 95 calories, half-hour; You should do every day at least 1/2 hour of some physical activity.

•  Park as far away from the office building as possible to get in some extra walking - 5 calories for every minute you walk;

•  Grab your backpack and walk to as many of your errands as possible, using the backpack to store purchases - 476 calories, an hour

•  Use the stairs, not the elevator - 136 calories, 15 minutes, walking up;  51 calories, walking down;

•  Meet your friends or spouse for walking, dancing or bike-riding dates, rather than for lunch, coffee or dessert;

•  Put more energy into housework, step up the pace;

–  Cleaning house, general: 204 calories, one hour;

– Cleaning house, multiple tasks; 238 calories, one hour;
– Making the bed: 34 calories, 15 minutes;

– Carrying groceries: 43 calories, 15 minutes;

– Clearing dishes from the table: 43 calories, 15 minutes;

– Mopping the floors: 119 calories, half-hour;

– Scrubbing the floors on hands and knees: 129 calories, half-hour;

– Taking out the trash: 43 calories, 15 minutes;

•  Create a garden, where you can dig, weed, rake, cut and haul to build strength, flexibility and stamina, and your home grown vegetables will bring you even more healthy benefits - 272 calories, one hour; weeding it, 306 calories, one hour;

•  Avoid buffets, the biggest impediments to portion control, an integral part of weight management;

•  Dance, especially with your significant other or good friend, to get your heart pumping and lungs working - 327 calories in one hour, 517 in two hours;

Note: The calories burned are for a 150-pound person. For more information, visit www.caloriesperhour.com

(by Marcela Vanharova)