The Center for Disease Control reports that obesity results in 300,000 preventable deaths each year in the United States alone. More than sixty per cent of all Americans are classified as overweight or obese, while thirty to forty per cent of us are trying to go from fat to fit. How can you go about increasing your activity level to match your caloric intake without exercising hours a day and eating like a bird?
Let's take a closer look at several options you might consider.

WALK, DON'T DRIVE
Instead of driving everywhere, consider walking or even bicycle riding to work, the local stores, or wherever you can. This is a built-in calorie burner that everybody has access to.

TAKE UP A SPORT
Play racquetball, join a softball team or a hiking club, or even learn to play golf. Burning calories while you have fun is totally painless.

MOW THE LAWN
Fire your gardener. The work involved in maintaining a healthy lawn, not to mention a flourishing garden will have you burning 400 calories an hour.

TAKE THE KIDS TO THE PARK
This is another example of playing to burn calories. Running around with your 12 year old in the park all afternoon will make it clear to you why kids can eat and eat and not gain an ounce.

WASH THE CAR YOURSELF
Spend the afternoon washing and waxing the car. You'll save ten or fifteen dollars, and burn about three or four hundred calories and hour.

TAKE THE STAIRS
Pass on the elevator and escalator rides. Stair climbing is excellent aerobic exercise, and it also builds strong legs.

LIMIT TELEVISION WATCHING
The time you spend planted in front of the TV does not reward you with many calories burned. At least get up and move around during the commercials.

PARK FAR AWAY
On your next trip to the local mall or supermarket, don't circle the parking lot looking for the closest spot. In contrast, park as far from the store entrance as possible and walk, you'll be glad you did.