From A. Call it the threshold barrier: Taking that first step is always the hardest. Sometimes, with life so busy, you just don't think to exercise. Other times, you know you should but lack the gumption. Here are some steps that can help.
- Put your favorite walking shoes by the door at night so you'll see them first thing in the morning. They'll remind you that getting out there is a priority.
- Have a destination in mind. Going to the store, post office, newsstand, or coffee house makes walking seem more purposeful and time-worthy.
- Book walking time on your calendar. Once you've booked the time, post adhesive reminder notes on the fridge and doors to spur you on -- a technique shown to work in studies.
- Enlist a friend to walk with you or, if that's not possible, to call and ask if you've walked. A sense of accountability is one of the best motivators for exercise.
- Find an article of clothing that fit when you weighed 10 percent less or a photo of yourself at the time. Place it on your dresser as an inspirational reminder of your goal.
- Running an errand nearby? Get on your feet instead of in the car.
- In airports, walk around the terminal while waiting for your flight -- and avoid the moving sidewalks.
- During TV commercials, walk in place, climb up and down the stairs, or take a spin around the perimeter of the house.
- Don't fight for parking. Avoid the aggravation of jockeying for a space close to the door and park farther away.
- Return your shopping cart to the front of the store instead of leaving it in the parking lot.
- Instead of using the drive-through, go inside.