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I have heard that I can benefit from taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking farther away in a parking lot. Does this kind of physical activity really count?

Last Updated: May 27, 2009

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Yes, all physical activity counts. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking farther away, and not using the drive thru all add steps to your day. Over the years, in an attempt to make our lives easier, we have removed many of the opportunities to move our bodies. Adding back steps whenever and wherever we can is a great way to begin to get the 30 minutes of physical activity we need each day. However, 30 minutes is just the beginning. If you are interested in weight control, weight loss, or fitness, you will need more physical activity at higher intensity.

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