Working off the Christmas Cheer

It is always a good time to try to take some weight off, as well as to become a little more fit. Many of us think of that at the first of the year, and many of us have put on a few extra pounds over the holidays. For most, the thought of going to the gym is too scary to think about. But you don't have to work out like Arnold Schwarzenegger in order to shed a few pounds and start to feel better. Getting yourself on a regular routine of even modest changes can really help.

Walking is great exercise. Get out of the house for a little while and just walk. In good weather, the "great outdoors" is the place to be, whether in a park or just around the neighborhood. In bad weather, try your neighborhood mall. Most malls open up to walkers long before the stores open.

When you first start walking, only go for as long as you feel good, 15 to 30 minutes. Once you have been walking for a while, if you have the time, increase the time you walk. To change the routine slightly, try increasing your pace twice during each lap around the mall for 20 to 30 steps, and then resume your normal pace.

If a bike is more your style and weather permits, then just substitute "bike" for "walk."

Small changes in a few of your habits can also make a difference.

• Park your car at the far end of the lot. Not only will you get a little exercise, you'll keep your car from getting those little parking lot dings. I usually get into the store faster by parking farther out and walking than I do by driving around the lot looking for the closest spot possible. A slight variation to this, particularly in bad weather, is to park close to the mall but on the opposite side from where you want to go. This way you will get inside quickly, but you'll need to walk all the way across the mall to get to your store, and then all the way back to your car.
• Carrying your bundles back to the car, instead of using a cart, will give you a little weight training.
• Walk past the elevator and use the stairs. This might even be faster than waiting for the elevator to arrive.
• On days when you are tired or lethargic, get your exercise anyway. A shortened or less vigorous workout is way better than sitting in front of the television. You will be happier with yourself, and better off physically, for having done something.
• Getting a pedometer to track your daily steps will help motivate you to go a little farther periodically, thus getting you to take slightly longer walks, and lose a little more weight.