We all know that we have to be active to keep healthy, but that can take some real effort and added will power just to get started. By using some of these tips you can make it that much easier to manage your balanced lifestyle.

1) Use reminders

• Placing notes around your home (eg on the front door or on the fridge) can help to remind you to do some activity.
• Place your walking shoes near the door or in the car.

2) Get into a routine

• Plan your activity – both the time and the place.
• Make a regular time for your physical activity in your diary or on your calendar.

3) Be social

• Involve a friend, colleague, neighbour or relative in your activity routine  this will help keep you both motivated and committed.

4) Use a diary

• Write down your activity times and how you feel after doing something. That way you can refer back to it when you feel less motivated.
• Make an activity planner and put it on the fridge.

5) Choose a role model

Maybe someone close to you is regularly active and fit. Talk to them and use them as a role model to keep yourself going.

6) Vary your activity

• You might like to change the time or the place you normally do your activity to help keep it interesting.
• You can even change the type of activity you do.

Taken with permission from the booklet Choose Health: Be active. A physical activity guide for older Australians. An initiative of the Australian Government in association with Sports Medicine Australia.