Squirrels gather and hide food during fall to keep from starving come winter, while bears retire to their caves early to rest up for spring. Wild animals do this for basic survival. So, why are humans, the most intelligent animal of all, following suit? It’s because we have become lazy and we choose to do nothing but eat and sleep all winter long rather than stay active, healthy and fit. Here are some tips to keep you from falling into these bad habits.

All or Nothing Approach - Not having a full hour to exercise is no reason to skip your workout. Even 10 to 30 minutes of exercise a day can provide important health benefits.

AM/PM Stretching - It’s a great idea to spend a few minutes every day and night stretching out sore and stiff muscles. Stretching will improve your flexibility, prevent injuries and reduce muscle soreness.

Exercise & Eating Journal - This is a great way to help keep your workouts and meals planned, organized and regulated. It will also help hold you accountable while allowing you to track your progress and discover what is and isn’t working for you.

Make Time for YOU - Just as a flight attendant instructs you to put on your oxygen mask before assisting other passengers, this too applies to putting your health and fitness needs first. Before you can help others, you must be able to help yourself. Lead by example and be a strong role model for your friends and family.

Set Short and Long Term Fitness Goals - Setting goals for yourself both short term and long term is a great way to keep you motivated through whatever obstacles you face. Make sure they are realistic and achievable goals and keep your eyes on the prize.

Keep Pace with a Pedometer - This is a great tool that helps you track your daily activity. Pedometers count each step you take and can also count calories burned. Try to beat your previous day’s record to improve performance.

Don’t Become be a Couch Potato - The less time you spend on the couch and in front of the television, the better. Most people tend to eat and sleep far more than the body requires when they set up camp in front of the food tube.

Add a Multi Vitamin - When fresh produce is hard to come by because it is out of season, there is a quick and easy solution to get all your daily vitamins at a very affordable cost. Multi vitamins are a popular seller at any health and nutrition store.

Take a Vacation somewhere Warm - Planning a trip somewhere nice is great incentive to get to the gym and maintain your workout routine rather than fall into your own state of hibernation with warmer weather a distant dream.

Exercise Machine with Fur - They are not only man’s best friend, they are also a piece of fitness equipment with a brain all of their own. Walking your dog daily is a great way to stay active for both you and your canine companion.

Bad habits are easy to fall into and even harder to break. The key to avoiding these habits is to not get into them in the first place. Try watching your steps more closely. Just surviving through winter may be good enough for the animals but not for you or I.