One of the reasons this blog is named "Life is the Workout" is because it is a truth I've come to understand and embrace. The phrase came from my own, dear, running master shared his wisdom with me about life.

I had read articles in Runner's World Magazine about the best workouts for runners.

Annoyed that running alone was not enough, I complained to Running Master, "I thought running was the workout!"

To which he replied, "Ah, Grasshopper, life is the workout."

I saw the light and "life=workout" is a truth I've come to embrace. I made some changes that added "working out" to my daily life and the transition was easier than I thought it would be.

I now choose:

• Stairs over elevators
• Distant parking space from the grocery store
• Walking to the mailbox instead of stopping in my car

And, I fidget.

Ever since reading Special Report: Boost Your Metabolism in Women's Health, I have become a fidgeter. According to the article, people who fidget can burn an additional 350 calories day. In two weeks, you could potentially lose a pound. While that has not been my experience (there are always many other factors that influence weight loss), I have not gained any weight and my muscles stay more toned than not.

Bottom line: Anyone can turn their life into workout: fidget, take the stairs, walk more often, etc. and avoid becoming a couch potato.