Small changes in your physical activity each day can add up to big results and burn more calories helping in managing your weight. Even though controlling our calories is the most effective way to lose weight, research also states that exercise is a great way to help keep the weight off for good.

Check out these ideas below on adding steps to your day at home, work, and in your leisure time.

1. Invite a friend of family member over for a walk around the neighborhood.
2. Walk to the grocery store or to your place of worship weekly.
3. Catch a sunrise with an early morning walk. 
4. Stroll the halls while waiting for a child’s practice to conclude or for a doctor’s appointment.
5. Listen to a book on tape while walking.
6. Make walking for 10 minutes part of your lunch break.
7. Start a walking club with neighbors or coworkers for motivation and support.
8. Park far out in the parking lot at work or at the mall.
9. Tour a museum, zoo, or nature trail to add steps.
10. Sign up for a walk to benefit charity or a cause that is meaningful to you.
11. Try a walking in the water at an indoor pool for the colder weather.
12. Try ice skating with your family.
13. Drive to a nearby town or community and tour it’s main street or park.
14. Meet for lunch with a friend within a walk-able distance.
15. Walk your dog right after work each day.
16. Take photos of beautiful nature during a wilderness walk.
17. Take a walk on a college campus near you.
18. Set a step goal and wear a pedometer or watch to see your steps each day.
19. Boost the benefits of walking with some light hand weights.
20. Bundle up and walk your kids to school.

Besides the extra calorie burn, walking has many other health benefits which include:

• Increased cardiovascular and pulmonary (heart and lung) fitness.
• Reduced risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Improved management of conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, joint and muscular pain or stiffness, and diabetes.
• Stronger bones and improved balance.
• A positive well-being.

For more information on weight loss programs in Nebraska please visit WeightLossNebraska.com.