Tip #5: Baby it's cold outside, but you still need to move!

The American College of Sports Medicine and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that all adults accumulate 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week.

That's a high aspiration for anyone, including me. Unless chasing my 18 month old around the house counts! This is especially hard in the winter, when the last thing you feel like doing is bundling up and braving the ice and cold temperatures to get some (aerobic)exercise. Nonetheless, it is still very important to get yourself breathing hard and your heart beating faster at least a few times a week.

Here are some ideas to get yourself moving during the cold winter months:

-Walk/run on a treadmill for 15-30 minutes (this is what I rely on)
-Go to/join a local gym (treadmill, stair-climber, elliptical machine, etc.)
-Stair climbing: I know this sounds silly, but it works! If you have stairs in your home, use them. Try this-climb to the top of the stairs at a fairly quick (yet comfortable) pace. Rest and relax on your way down. If you can do this without getting too bored, try to keep it up for 15 minutes.
-Workout to an aerobic exercise dvd
-Have fun with Wii fit
-Spend a couple of dollars on a jump rope. Jump until you mess up, take a short break and jump again. Do that for as long as your able. It's tough!
-Stationary bike
-Swim or water aerobics if you have access to an indoor pool
-Jumping jacks (remember those?)
-Dance for several songs in a row
-Put on some good shoes and go walk at a mall

Aim to do one of these activities TWO times in the next week. Do more if you can! Come on, challenge yourself, your health is worth it. You are worth it.

Keep in mind when you are doing these activities, that they're not super effective unless you are putting forth a good effort. For instance, if you walk, it should not be equivalent to a relaxed stroll in the park. Get yourself sweating and that heart beating faster. Monitor your body and breathing, and tweak your intensity and duration based on those.

***If you have any severe medical conditions, you must consult a doctor first before doing exercise.

I hope you all accept this challenge of at least TWO days of aerobic exercise this week. Need some motivation? How about this...aerobic exercise helps you to lose excess weight, increases energy levels, improves your immune system, strengthens your heart, fights off depression, and those who exercise on a regular basis live longer. Stay warm, and happy breathing!