It seems to be a universal misconception that getting physical activity requires a person to join a gym or purchase expensive home gym equipment. But the truth is there are many enjoyable activities you can do at home - from playing with your children to walking your dog - that can improve your heart health and overall physical wellbeing. 

According to Miller-Kovach, a Weight Watchers fitness expert, “washing windows, scrubbing floors, pacing while on the phone…all of these count towards activity. I multitask in terms of doing activity and getting things done around the house. I might spend an hour cleaning out my closet on a weekend. That will be my hour of activity instead of going to the gym and walking on the treadmill at a 3-mph pace." 

When it comes to increasing your physical activities, start small and understand that anything you add to your daily routine is better than doing nothing! Here are a few activities that can help you to increase your activity level…

1. Get OFF the couch
2. Use commercial breaks to alternate doing jumping jacks, lunges and push-ups
3. Make a few extra trips up and down your stairs each day
4. Squat as often as possible
5. Park at the back of the lot and walk
6. Get in the garden
7. Play a game of basketball with your kids
8. Do it yourself…that means pushing the vacuum and mop and even scrubbing the shower yourself
9. Push a basket at the grocery store, even if you are just grabbing a few items
10. Join a walking/exercise club and hold each other accountable for these simple daily life changes

Increasing physical activity with these easy, daily lifestyle changes will get you moving. And, as you begin to notice that these little changes are easier than you thought, you just might find yourself motivated to make other little changes towards a more well-rounded and heart-healthy lifestyle!