For those of us who work out of our home, we know how hard it is to schedule in exercise. We get so involved in our projects … meeting deadlines, returning phone calls and trying to make money … that our own health easily takes a back seat. Thanks to the American Heart Association, you may feel motivated to implement a little exercise schedule during your day. According to statistics, heart disease is the No. 1 killer in the U.S. And physical inactivity doubles the risk of heart disease and stroke. So what can you do? You can support the fight against heart disease by participating in National Start! Walking Day, Wednesday, April 16. According to the website, www.americanheart.org, on this special day you can: - Show your support and wear your sneakers to work.
- Take a 30-minute walk during the day.
- Make your pledge to live a longer, healthier life.
Here are some additional tips to help you get walking, and get healthy, even when you work out of your home: Break it up. If you can’t afford a solid 30 minutes to get a walk in, break it up into two different 15-minute walks during breaks throughout the day. It will help you feel better, clear your mind, and increase your focus at your desk. Wake up and walk. If you take a brisk, 20-minute walk before breakfast, studies indicate that you can increase weight loss. Try waking up earlier and getting your walk in before you munch on your bagel and drink your coffee. Make small changes. You can find little ways to add activity to your day by parking far away from shop entrances and walking that extra distance. Take the stairs instead of the elevator when you can, or take five minutes and climb the stairs in your house or apartment building as a quick workout. | 
