How to Be a Perpetual Motion Machine

If you can't swing a steady schedule of workouts, don't feel you've failed. Instead, look for opportunities to make movement a part of everyday life -- you'll find them.

Studies show that taking a lifestyle-based approach to exercise can improve fitness almost as much as a program of gym workouts, with sedentary people able to gain 30 minutes of activity five days a week just by sneaking it into their regular day. Some ways to achieve this:

Next time you go to a sporting event, don't stay on the bench. Get up and walk around between quarters. Circle the stadium at halftime. Climb the stairs during time-outs -- and stay clear of the hot dog stand.

Why tap your feet waiting for the elevator? Hit the stairs instead -- you may actually get where you're going faster.

If you're going to sit in front of the tube, make it a stationary-bicycle seat. Aim to pedal your way through a 30-minute program. If you don't have a bike, do jumping jacks or march in place during the commercials.

Instead of fighting for parking close to the door, head for the open spaces farther out and walk the rest of the way.

Take the dog (if you don't have one, borrow the neighbor's pooch) for a stroll or run. Let him decide where to go, and follow wherever he leads.

Get up to change channels instead of using the remote.

Instead of meeting a friend for Coffee, skip the java and get your jolt of energy from a walk in the park.