America on the Move: Guide to Better Fitness

In this week’s "Parade’s Guide to Better Fitness" column, Michael O’Shea suggests readers take part in the national fitness initiative America on the Move (AOM). The following are a few suggestions from AOM for office workers looking to add some healthy activity to their workday:

On average, an office worker takes about 5000 steps a day. To increase the amount of steps you take at the workplace, try the following:

• Post signs in the elevators and near stairways, encouraging people to take the stairs—and make sure stairways are adequately lighted and accessible
• If you have an organized break at a certain time each day, take part in 10-15 minute walks with other employees.
• Put up signs listing how many steps it takes to walk to certain locations in the worksite, such as the cafeteria, copy room and restrooms.
• Encourage everyone to park their cars farther from the office building so they can add more steps to their day.
• Highlight in the company newsletter the health benefits of walking.
• Start a walking group at lunch or after work.

For more physical fitness tips, visit www.americaonthemove.org.