1. Health

Quick Tips 14: Get Moving!

From , former About.com Guide

Updated May 03, 2010

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Our "Quick Tips" series brings you practical, effective weight-loss tips that you can begin putting to use right away. This installment is all about exercise.

Reap the Benefits

Even if you have been sedentary a long time, you can reap significant health benefits from exercise, even if it isn't intense or a long duration. Getting active may improve your mood, too. People who exercise have typically have more confidence and self-esteem. And a self-esteem boost will keep you exercising!
More: How Exercise Benefits Your Body

Survive Spring Fever

Spring fever symptoms like a scratchy throat, a bit of a cough, or sneezing shouldn't keep you from walking. You can always cut back on the intensity level if you decide to do your normal workout when you're feeling unwell, without giving up altogether. But if you're very ill or your symptoms include a persistent cough, achy muscles, or nausea, don't exercise -- the extra stress exercise puts on your body may make your recovery time longer or even make you sicker.

Early to Rise?

Not a morning person? At least try getting in a little activity in the morning such as a brisk walk. You'll have more energy and an increased metabolism later on in the day.

Walking Shoes Required

You really should buy special shoes just for walking. A quality walking shoes needs a beveled heel that angles about a half inch up at the back and the sole should curve toward the front, something shoes designed for other purposes may not feature.
More: Choose and Care for Walking Shoes

Don't Dread Your Treadmill

Is your treadmill a drag? Put it in a favorite room, not hidden away in the basement or garage -- you'll never feel like using it there and it will just gather dust. Try placing it by your favorite window so you can enjoy the view or in the living room so you can watch TV while hoofing it.
More: Treadmill Tips

Get Real About Post-Exercise Refreshments

Considering a non-diet-friendly apres-workout treat at the coffee shop across from the gym? It's natural to overestimate how much effort you put into your workout. Sadly, you probably didn't burn as many calories as you think (Thousands, maybe? Don't we wish.), so resist the temptation to treat yourself to a post-workout nosh and undo all your hard work. It's most important to hydrate after working out and thirst can be mistaken for hunger. If you're still filling hungry and downing the contents of your water bottle, have a small protein-rich snack like yogurt or a smoothie.

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.

We comply with the HONcode standard
for trustworthy health
information: verify here.