Take the stairs. Play with your children. Burn the calories.

If you find strength in numbers, then you might be glad to know that starting a fitness program was the second most popular New Year's Resolution made by Americans in 2008, according to a survey conducted by RIS media.

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Although we appear to be a health-conscious society, most of us lack the follow-through toward long- term commitment.

There is no debate that we need 20 minutes of intense exercise daily, but those treadmill moments only burn an average of 400 calories. What do we do with the other 1400 calories in our average daily intake? Move it to lose it!

Here are some simple ways to rearrange your daily tasks in subtle ways that encourage an active pattern of life.

-Marie Jenkins

At Work

Analyze your workspace for how your organization sacrifices mobility for a more sedentary style. What regularly used equipment could be placed on top shelves, away from desks or in bottom drawers instead of at your fingertips? Think of the benefits of retrieving items that would include standing, stretching and squatting several times throughout the day.

Is your office off the ground floor? Choose the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. In older buildings, or those with a lot of public traffic, you might actually save time as well as calories.

Use breaks and lunch time to do exercise. A simple, but brisk walk will help break up the workday and give you a chance to renew focus for tasks that might otherwise lead to afternoon lethargy.

What tasks could be done without being tied to your desk? If it is necessary to review reports or read manuals, try standing beside a sunny window, or while pacing the hall. The difference is for a 15 minute activity, sitting at a desk will burn 15 calories, but leisurely walking while doing the same task will burn nearly 50, according to the American Heart Association.

At home

Moms of toddlers have a great role model for bodies on the move. Many women have found mimicking the activities of their toddlers more effective for flexibility training than yoga classes! This might be limited to a small period of time, but you'll know you've had enough when you tot til you drop!

Spring cleaning might wake up hibernating muscles like nothing else can. Cleaning out a closet offers stretches, squats and plenty of lifting. Cleaning the windows can produce equal glow in the panes as the pain while you glow.

Green up the lawn and tone up your muscles. Gardening is an excellent way to promote well being, both mentally and physically, and you will appreciate the return on your investment all the way through the summer. Digging weeds instead of spraying them will get down to the root of unsightly lawns and thighs!

At play

It's really not fair that kids seem to get all of the fun activities. Model vigorous pursuits of fitness by planning (and protecting) walks, bicycle rides and other physical activities. Most importantly, choose an activity that is sincerely enjoyable and establish it as a priority in your family life.

Plan family vacations that include opportunities for sports and fitness. Find spots that not only offer great dining and entertainment, but interesting equipment rentals and even lessons in a new outdoor activity.

Is shopping at the top of your leisure activities? Use trips to the mall as an opportunity to get in shape. Choose a parking space further from the entrance and an entrance that isn't necessarily centrally located in between your favorite shops. If you shed the heels and wear comfortable shoes, you'll be able to pick up the pace between shopping venues.