Work in a Workout

Chances are you have the best intentions of fitting some type of exercise into your life. But, like most Americans, you’re working longer hours, so working out falls to the bottom— and then off—of your to-do list. There is a solution, however.

The American Heart Association (AHA) has launched a new campaign— called “Start!”—to help employers and employees improve their health through walking and better nutrition.

Start! highlights walking for exercise, because it is an activity that is easy for almost anyone to do, it costs nothing, and it has the lowest dropout rate of any other form of exercise. In addition, the AHA says brisk walking for 30 minutes a day can go a long way toward improving health, by lowering both bad cholesterol levels and high blood pressure, helping individuals achieve a healthy weight, and reducing the risk of stroke.

The heart association website—www.americanheart.org—offers tools to help individuals get a “start” on exercise and healthy living. These include a fitness and nutrition tracking tool, health-related articles, numerous hearthealthy recipes, and tips to help individuals begin a walking program at work.

Can’t walk at work? Your health will benefit from even just a few minutes of physical activity each day. Here are a few ideas:

• Use the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Park your car farther from the office, or get off a stop or two early if you ride the bus or train.
• Walk down the hall to speak with a coworker, instead of calling or e-mailing.