Physical Activity Plan (print copy ) • Back to the Main Page In order to become more active it is important to plan ahead. The more sensible and well thought out the plan the better your chance of succeeding at it. Below are some points to consider as you prepare your action plan: 1. Take a look at what you are currently doing. What physical activity do you include in your day already? How much time? (how many minutes at a time)? How often (how many days a week or a month)? 2. When do you like to be active? Do you prefer mornings, lunch hour, after work or evenings? Do you prefer to be alone, with family, or having your physical activity time be social time? Fitting activity into your schedule is more doable than trying to add it on top of your already busy life. Try lunchtime walks, or coffee time stretches. 3. What types of activities do you enjoy doing? Can you do these activities more often, more intensely, and for longer periods of time? If you enjoy an activity it is more likely you will keep doing it. Physical activity should be a positive time. It can be a time to relax, socialize, and/or work off your stress, or just to play. 4. Are your activities varied, between building bone and muscle strength, flexibility/balance and coordination, and heart and lung endurance? Incorporate these three types of activities, into your plan: Strength activities: lifting weight or working against resistance for the purpose of strengthening muscle and bone. For example, shovelling snow, carrying groceries, lifting weights or doing sit ups. Flexibility activities: bending and stretching activities to improve balance, coordination and mobility. For example, simple stretches, yoga, reaching and bending while putting away groceries or cleaning the house. Endurance activities: activities that increase your breathing and heart rate and strengthen the heart lungs and blood vessels. For example, walking, running, swimming, aerobics, playing tag with your kids. Remember that there are many activities that can fit into more than one of these categories. For example, taking a walk and carrying light hand weights and doing some light stretches after your walk is an easy way to incorporate all three activities 5. Who can support and encourage my efforts to be more physically active? Let people close to you know what your goal is so that they can help support you along the way. Are there friends and family that have similar goals? Is there a person that can be a buddy so you can encourage each other to take the time for your activities? 6. Do you have a back up plan? Have a plan ready for poor weather or scheduling conflicts. Make alternative plans with your activity buddy (If it is too icy to walk, plan on doing a workout video at home, or meet at the mall to walk) Have an emergency FIT KIT in the car, at the office or at home so that you can take advantage of any time that may come along. Ideas for FIT KIT contents: Running shoes Clothing for indoor or outdoor activities A towel, and a wash kit (baby wipes are a great way to refresh after your workout if a shower is not available) Hat, mitts, scarf, and layers for the winter Water and a snack (e.g., granola bars, fruit, almonds, cheese and crackers) 8. Keep it real and start small. The first thing to consider is how realistic your health goals are. Trying to completely change your habits overnight can be overwhelming and lead to frustration. Your resolution should be something you can reach towards over the course of the year so you do not set yourself up for disappointment. You can't say "I will walk 10km every morning" if you rarely walk, and hate getting up early. It is not realistic and you won't be able to stick to it. Instead start with "I will walk for 15 minutes at lunch twice a week". Then work up to longer time, more often, different and more challenging activities. It is easier to make one small change at a time, and once that becomes a habit, make another small change. Some examples of goals to start include: I will park further from the door and walk I will take the stairs instead of the elevator I will take a walking break instead of a coffee break I will play actively with my children I will stretch for five minutes before going to bed or first thing in the morning I will lift and carry groceries or supplies (when it is safe to do so) 9. Keep things positive including how you see yourself. This is a positive and very important change for your health so be proud of that and remember that this is an opportunity for you to look forward in a positive way. Take some time to write down some of the positive things you have in your life in other areas. Be thankful for what you have and being proud of your accomplishments to keep your attitude positive and give yourself the support and encouragement you deserve. 10. Physical activity is important, but it is only part of the picture. Consider what you are eating and how you are fuelling your body for these activities. Are there ways you could improve your nutrition? Make your own healthy eating plan to see if you are meeting your body's daily requirements. Resource Link: Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating To the top	Go to the Physical Activity Map for  Leeds, Grenville and Lanark