One of my New Year’s resolutions was to come up with monthly “resolutions” for myself and for anyone who follows this blog.  Cooking Light magazine (which is one of my favorite sources of recipes and ideas for healthy living) had the same idea, so I am shamelessly borrowing their healthy habits!

Cooking Light’s 12 Healthy Habits

It’s a lot easier to commit to 30 days of a new habit than a full year.  So this month’s goal is to maintain or improve fitness by increasing activity.

It may seem daunting to stay in shape or even improve your fitness level when you are swamped with studying or work in the hospital.  It’s not easy, but it is absolutely doable.  The best way to start is to pick one or two of the following ideas and make them a resolution for this month.  Pick goals that are “SMART” (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely) and then just do it! Consistency is the most important part of setting this goal – so pick something that you know you can do on a regular basis.

Some ideas to consider:

• Take the stairs at work instead of the elevator
• Commute to school or the hospital on your feet or on a bicycle
• Park as far away from school or work as is reasonable and walk the rest of the way
• Plan ahead for 10 minutes of exercise while you are on call and take what you need
• Wear a pedometer and get 10,000 steps/day
• Do push-ups every morning before you go to work
• Find a cardio exercise that isn’t boring for you and do it 30 minutes 3x/week
• Run.  It’s easy, it’s cheap and it’s the most effective exercise for busy people!
• Hire a trainer for one workout a week (or ask for this as a present)
• Play golf, tennis, racquetball – any game that gets you moving!
• Find a spin class or other organized exercise class to attend once a week
• Organize a basketball or ultimate Frisbee game with your friends once a week
• Shoot for a total minute goal/week of exercise (start with 100?) and keep track
• Whatever you decide to do, PLAN – make it an appointment on your calendar, put it on your daily scut list, get your clothes out the night before – do whatever it takes to make it happen!