Our species has been around for millions of years and during most of that time we spent a lot of time hunting and gathering food, making shelter, etc. We lifted things, ran, threw things, and in general moved our arms and legs all the time. Imagine that every time you got hungry you and a group of your family or friends had to chase down an antelope, spear a fish or a mammoth ... and if you didn't, none of you get to eat. That's the kind of intense activity we are capable of doing.

Make physical effort a part of your life.

When you become physically stronger, you become mentally and emotionally stronger as well.

Here are some ideas to make movement a more regular part of your day...

Stop Trying to "Save Energy"

For example... why would you drive to the health club so you can pedal a bike that goes nowhere? Ride the bike to the gym, or skip the membership altogether. Why waste time trying to find the closest parking space? Park in the first spot you find and walk. It'll probably take the same amount of time anyway.

You should ... throw things, move things around, dig in the garden, sprint to catch a frisbee, climb a tree, shoot baskets.

Aim for a variety of exercise -- strength, speed, endurance and agility -- all in the same outing if possible.

The Walking page also gives a lot of ideas for ways to move.

Have fun with it and enjoy yourself!

More Exercise Ideas

A great concept, if at all possible for you, is to commute to your work by bike or foot. If your commute is too long to bike or walk the whole way, drive partway and park. Gradually increase that distance over time. The beauty of this idea is that it becomes a habit and a routine because you're doing it every work day. And the miles and calorie burn really add up.

A mini-trampoline is a simple, wonderful tool for exercise. It gives you a surprisingly good calorie burn while being fun. Use it while watching TV. Or take it outside and jump in the morning sunshine.

Some people have used an exercise ball as a chair. You can bounce and do different exercises while at the computer. Or do it while watching TV.

Others have kept a three pound weight (ball or dumbbell) at their desk to play around with in odd moments.

If you enjoy...

Being alone: Try a home exercise machine, stationary bike, swimming, pool walking, exercise DVD
Being social: Try an exercise class, water aerobics, mall walking, playing with kids or grandkids
Being Outdoors: Nature walks, hiking, gardening, bicycling, neighborhood stroll, weeding