by Penny Howington

Created on: December 15, 2009

Our society has become way too dependent on technology and it has made us lazy!  This came to my attention the other day when I was dialing my daughter's phone number to see what she was up to that day.  If I open the front door, I can see down the road right up to my daughter's front door!  Disgusted with myself and our culture in general, I closed the phone and headed up the road.  How much nicer it was to get out of the house for awhile and to be able to hold my granddaughter while we were discussing our plans for the day!  As I walked home, I started to think about all the ways our dependence on the gadgets and gizmos designed to better our lives, has actually taken away from our lives.  

Many Americans battle weight gain and spend a lot of money trying to lose those unwanted pounds. We simply aren't active enough. As I approached my house, I heard my dog jumping around just inside the door.  Realizing that he probably needed to come out and do his business, I instinctively started to let him out into the enclosed area of our yard. It dawned on me that this was another convenience that robbed me of exercise.  As the two of us walked around the block, I was able to wave at a couple of neighbors and get in a little exercise too. As I went through my day, I noticed many little things I could adjust that still got the job done and made me a little more active as a result.

Walk

Walk instead of drive whenever possible or bike instead of drive, if you prefer.  If you do drive, don't circle the parking lot twenty times looking for that close parking spot. Park in the back and walk!

Stairs

Whenever possible, use the stairs instead of elevators and escalators.  You will be using up extra calories and becoming more fit with each step.

Stand

Stand instead of sitting, whenever possible.  This can be done in waiting rooms, on public transit and while watching your kids play on the playground, to name a few.  Standing burns more calories than sitting and this can add up during the day. Playing with your kids at that playground instead of watching them play will also use up calories!

Housecleaning

While housecleaning, sweep instead of vacuum and scrub instead of mop whenever you can.  Sweeping and scrubbing use more calories and often result in a better looking floor!  Also, doing the dishes by hand requires movement as well as standing.  Scouring briskly is also a great way to burn a few extra calories.

Make TV Time Count!

Most of us watch more television than we care to admit!  Make that time count, by exercising while watching the tube.  Walk in place, do sit ups or push ups, or stretch.  All of these things use a lot more calories than being a couch potato does!

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