Fitness and Weight Information
You can find very valuable information on the internet in regards to fitness and overall good health. Click on the links below to find out more information on eating healthy, beginning an exercise program at any size, how to improve your workouts, and much more.
www.mypyramid.gov
www.smallstep.gov
www.fitnessmagazine.com
www.win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/active.htm
www.medlineplus.gov
www.eatbetteramerica.com
www.shapeupamerica.com
www.presidentschallenge.org
Click here to open up Dr. O'Donnell's powerpoint presentation on nutrtion.
Interested in determining your BMI or BMR or learning exactly what they mean to you and your health. Click here to calculate your Harris Benedict Equation.
Don't let sitting at a desk all day stop you from getting some exercise. Click here for some easy, very effective "desk-ercise" tips.
Looking for a place to get some exercise on these cold Minnesota days? Look no farther than the Oak Park Mall. The mall is open extended hours for walkers. Stay dry, warm and Get Fit. Mall walking hours are: Monday-Friday 8:00am-9:00pm; Saturday 8:00am-5:00pm and Sunday 10:00am-5:00pm
Does That Really Count As Exercise?
You better believe it. You do not have to get on a treadmill, join a gym or spend hours lifting weights to reap the benefits of exercise. Here are some daily activities...that burn calories, get you active and in the end will make you healthier. So grab that vacuum and get busy.
Taking a walk during lunch break 10 minutes 5x/week burns 170 calories or a total of 2.5 lbs lost in one year
Using stairs instead of elevator 5 minutes 5x/week burns 225 calories or 3 lbs lost in one year
Housework 2 hours/week burns 408 calories or 6 lbs lost in one year
Playing with your kids 1 hour 3x/week burns 612 calories or 9 lbs lost in one year
Working in your yard or garden 2 hours/week burns 712 calories for a total of 12 lbs lost in one year
Dancing 2 hours/week burns a whopping 816 calories or 12 lbs a year.
I don't have the time to workout.
You may be wondering how to fit an exercise program into my already crammed schedule. If you are having trouble finding time to set aside for exercise, break your work-out into small segments.
*Begin with a 10 minute power walk around the house or office after breakfast, after lunch and again before or after dinner. Work up to six 10 minute power walks a day.
*Work out at home to exercise DVD's or videos. Many are built around 10 minute workouts. Check out the Austin Library to see what they have available and give a few a try.
*Buy a pedometer. Aim for 10,000 steps a day, which is about 5 miles. You can find a decent pedometer at Target, Wal-Mart, or sporting goods stores like Sportmart.