Tools for Reaching My Physical Activity Goals

This section has some information to help you with your goals.

Solutions: Beat the Road Blocks

On a previous page, you listed reasons that keep you from being physically active. Here are some ideas for solving your problems so you can get moving and reach your goals.

• Do short bouts of physical activity throughout the day. For instance, try being moderately active for 10 minutes three times a day. This approach can help fit physical activity into a busy schedule.
• Try being active when you first get up or mid-day before you get too worn out. Start slow so you don't get tired and build up over time.
• To get started look at the list of activities here. Pick out one or two you'd like to try. Ask your health care team for advice.
• Try something new that might be fun if you haven't yet found a physical activity you enjoy. Dance to a CD at home. Walk a dog. Plant a garden. Ask your family or friends to be active with you.
• Look for cost-free ways to be physically active wherever you are. Climb the stairs. Run in place while watching TV. Do sit-ups or push-ups in your living room. Walk around the school track. Stretch or do arm exercises in your kitchen.
• Be active with your kids. Lift or dance with smaller children in your arms. Play tag, soccer, or hide-and-seek. Take walks together.
• Focus on what you CAN do despite physical challenges or pain. Check out the Bright Futures tip sheet for women with physical limitations at www.hrsa.gov/womenshealth. Ask your health care team for ideas.

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