4 Tips to Get Active & Move Towards Health

Tips to Get Active
I think it has been many years since I’ve made a resolution at the beginning of a new year. I think goals should be made regularly.
Then when you accomplish those, keep moving forward towards maintaining them or embarking on new ones.
For those who do make yearly resolutions, it’s that time of year when we can get into ruts or the enthusiasm is starting to fade.
In fact, according to the Journal of Clinical Psychology, only 64 percent of people continue their New Year’s workouts into February.
But, this is normal!
I think I’ve failed more than I’ve succeeded and from those failures, I’ve learned something and used it to grow.
I Was Moved
When I saw that TELUS shared the story of Ben, I was moved. A Torontonian who worked at an agency and realized that he wasn’t as healthy as everyone else.
He decided to change that. He worked towards moving more. By the time he knew it, he had walked over 5, 800 km and lost 100 pounds.
His proudest achievement?
Giving out 1, 000 sandwiches to those in need while he was out on his walks.
I’ll be the first to admit that I have put myself on the back burner for many years and have focused on everyone else being healthy. All this, without realizing that I need to take care of myself before I can efficiently take care of others.
I am changing this in 2016.
I am going to move more, get control of a healthy diet and lifestyle, and ask for help when I require it.
Remember, if you’re starting a new exercise regime, consider consulting your medical provider first and take advice on form from a fitness professional with relevant training qualifications.
Read on for tips to get active and moving.
1. Get Mobile
Get some wearable tech! Why not pair it with a tool that you are using already? Your device can be connected to wearable tech and ultimately help you towards your health and fitness goals.
TELUS cares about the health of Canadians and believes in the power of tech to help them. Especially when it comes to taking the leap to become healthier and happier in their lives.
By getting fitness gear and wearables, you’ll have the ability to motivate yourself and others.
Did you know?
- The majority (57 per cent) of consumers said the ability to self-monitor was a major factor in their purchase of a fitness wearable. (Nielsen)
- Fifty-two per cent of wearable owners primarily use their devices to stay motivated to exercise and stay healthy. (MaRS)
- Nearly three-quarters of current exercise app users are more active than those who stopped or never used their apps. (Journal of Medical Research)
2. Get Help
When it comes to your health, it should be your biggest investment. I am guilty of not investing in me. The first thing to do is head to your doctor’s and get a check-up.
Get the tests needed and make sure everything checks out. If not, you can make a plan to work towards it. While you are there, let your doctor know you are planning to start a new health regimen.
Need diet help?
One of the biggest tips to get active is to talk to a nutritionist. They can help you come up with a meal plan that works for you.
TELUS Learning Centre Experts are trained to set you up with the right fitness tech gear so that it’s easy to get started on your health goals for the year.
They can help set up your new device and show you how it works. Also, how to make use of the data your device collects and get the most out of your investment.
Book your session with a Learning Centre Expert, visit www.telus.com/betteryou and do it online!
3. Start to Move
No matter what your fitness level is, the goal is to move more. Start walking every day and push yourself to walk further. Dust off your runners and hit the pavement.
Whatever it may be, the goal is to get moving.
With wearable tech, there is often a community behind them. With FitBit, you can join communities or follow your friends and have healthy competitions to keep you all motivated. You are not alone!
The goal: MOVE.
4. Stay Hydrated & Get Those Zzzzz’s
Going on a diet is relative. It means different things to different people. I think if you make the best choices you can, you are on a good track.
Most importantly, getting enough water will keep your body healthy. Just like getting enough rest allows your body to recover. Both will give you more energy to get out there and rock it out!
FUN FACT:
At TELUS, they practice what they preach. They promote health from within with employee initiatives including team discounts on Fitbits and smartwatches. Fun employee fitness challenges, and online personal training, fitness and yoga classes. Cool, huh?
How Am I Working Towards my Goals?
I’ve been moving more and have taken inspiration by Ben to get out there and walk more. We’ve had a mild winter so far (knock on wood) so it has helped.
Plus, I’ve been using my FitBit and FitBit Aria Scale to monitor my progress.
Not to mention, I’ve created wicked playlists that I listen to with my wireless Beats. I’ve also motivated Darasak and the girls to get out there with me.
Though Darasak is far more dedicated, he keeps me in check.
There are lots of options out there for you when it comes to technology that helps you towards fitness. The Fitbit Charge HR monitors your steps and workouts and can be connected to various other health apps.
You May Also Like:
- 5 Ways to Get Outside & Get Active this Summer
- How to Keep Your Family Active with a Springfree Trampoline
- 10 Healthy Habits to Start In 2020
You can try getting better sleep with a product like the Withings Aura Smart Sleep System. Not to mention, you can listen to music that gets you going with the Jaybird X-2 Sport Wireless BUDS.
Make sure you head over to the TELUS store to see the latest gadgets and tech they have to offer. They have a team keeping a pulse on the latest and greatest wearable accessories out there.
If you already have a piece of wearable tech or a new device, make sure you make an appointment at your leisure with TELUS Learning Centre Experts.
That way, you can make the most of your investments.
Follow #MoveToHealthy for more updates!
Do you have any tips to get active?
Let me know, til then–cheers m’deres!

Nancy Polanco is a freelance journalist, lifestyle content creator, and editor of Whispered Inspirations. She is a proud Mom to Gabby and Michaela and partner and best friend to Darasak. Having worked as part of a health care team for almost a decade, Nancy is happy to be back to her passion. She is a contributor to the Huffington Post, TODAY’s Parents, and an Oprah Magazine Brand Ambassador.
I would love the Fitbit Scale
I sure do love the look of the Misfit Shines
I'd say the Withings Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor
the fitbit charge would make me more active. I love that it is not just a pedometer but it also tracks calories burned, stairs climbed, and heart rate.
Withings Pulse Ox Activity Tracker
I could use their Rise and shine for my mornings
I think the Withings Pulse Ox Activity Tracker would help me get more active !
the wireless headphones would help me keep motivated while I work out/walk to my fave tunes.
I would use the Withings Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor. I have high blood pressure and this would be awesome to keep track of it.
I would love the Beats headphones
the fittbit would help me track my activity
Any of the FitBits would help me get more active. The Misfit shine looks great too.
the Aria
I think probably the FiBit Charge HR – it looks amazing and very useful (plus – purple? Can't go wrong!)
Withings Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor would benefit me.
the fitbit scale would help me in my weight loss journey
The fitbit surge would help me get more active and healthy.
I think the ZEPP Tennis
The Withings Pulse Ox Activity Tracker would help me be more active.
The fitbit flex would be awesome.
The FitBit Flex would help me be more active.
The FitBit Aria WiFi Smart Scale would help me get more fit
Withings Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor would be great, I like that it works with a smart phone
I think the Jawbone UP24 would help me most because it ties all your information together to show a really cohesive picture of how you're doing.
Jonnie
I like the Withings Pulse Ox Activity Tracker or any of the fitbits would really help me get fit.
I also like the Withings Pulse Ox Activity Tracke because it could help me be more active and improve your health
The small FitBit Charge would help me increase my activity.
Fitbit Surge would help me get more active.
I think a Withings Aura Smart Sleep System would help me get fit because I can sometimes be a restless sleeper, and end up feeling so tired.
The Fitbit surge would be so helpful on my journey
ZEPP Tennis would get me more active .and keep track of it !
The fitbit charge small would help me get and keep active . It would be a great reminder tool to keep me motivated at beating my goals
The FitBit Surge would help me be more active.
Any of the FitBits would help me increase my activity I think. I've been checking out the Surge in particular!
Definitely one of the FItBit Charges. I have one on my list, I need something to help get me motivate and seeing my progress might help.
I would like the Fitbit scale as I currently don't have one and that would certainly help me know where I am and where I need to go.
The Beats Powerbeats wireless headphone would be awesome to have as music really motivates me when I am walking.
The fit bit surge would definitely help me
The fitbit scale would help me the most – I love seeing my progress and keeping track of when I don't do so well helps me want to get back on track!
Any of the fitbits would be a huge help to get me back on track. I love the fitbit, but I lost the tracker piece 🙁
The fitbit scale would be good
The Withings Pulse Ox Activity Tracker would be helpful.
I would also like the Jawbone UP24 because it helps you understand how you sleep, move and eat so you can make smarter choices.
Definitely the Fitbit Charge would help me out, I do better when I can see how I am doing at something.
I think the fitbit would help me most , i always have problems keeping motivated ! This would help for sure ! 🙂
Wow thank you for this awesome giveaway. I would love to have a fitbit from Telus from my husband. He really wants to take control of his health this year and increase his cardio and i think this would be the perfect accessory to help his tracking.
My first choice would be anyone of the Fitbits but I also think that the Beats Powerbeats wireless headphones would help to keep me motivated
I have such a yen for that FitBit scale! It looks awesome 🙂
The ZEPP Tennis would be an awesome, fun approach to getting fit! I think Telus has been quite innovative with this new product!
The scale, will see the poiunds
i would like Fitbit Surge – Small
any of the fitbits would help me be more active, I'd want to try and beat my friends
WOULD HELP ME MORE
The Jawbone UP24 would help me get active.
the fitbit flex
I would love the Jawbone UP24 as it gives you a complete picture of your progress.
I would like the Withings Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor to help me 🙂
I think the Fitbit scale would be a nice accessory to have.
The withings pulse ox activity tracker would help me greatly to get more active.
I would love to try their Rise & Shine to get me moving in the mornings
The Withings Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor looks great
The FitBit Flex!
Misfit Shine would help me be more active.
The Beats Powerbeats wireless earphones would be me on track.
The Fitbit Flex would help me!
The Jawbone would be fun
I think the Fitbit Flex would help me get more active
The Fitbit Surge would help me stay on track.
I would love the Misfit Shine
I would love the wireless blood pressure monitor!! Sounds super!! 🙂
Probably the FitBit Scale – I love that tracks BMI and Body fat, along with weight. Weight can really be counterproductive at so many points, that having the other more detailed information is what you need.
I would also like the Fitbit Charge – SmallProgress,because you put it right on your wrist and it
Tracks steps taken, stairs climbed, calories burned and active minutes in addition to sleep.I think will all the info i could be more active
I would just love to own a Fitbit so any of them would be great!
The scale would help
The Beats Powerbeats wireless would help me get more active.
I'd love the Misfit Shine.
The FitBit Flex would help me get more active.
The Misfit Shine looks really nice.
FitBit Charge HR for me! The new one looks awesome! 🙂
Heard great things about the fitbit. I'd love to see how it could potentially improve my life
The fitbit scale would help me keep track of my weight
The fitbit! 🙂
I would love any of the Fitbits, one has been on my want list for quite a while.
The Beats PowerBeats would help me get my runners on and hit the trails! I hate corded headphones!
Fitbit Surge Large would help me get fit by letting me know the steps, distance, calories burned and heart rate all day !
The Withings Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor would make tracking of my blood pressure & heart rateI like that it has a free Health Mate app,perfect for taking to the doctor.
The Withings Pulse Ox Activity Tracker would help me increase my activity.
I think the Fitbit Scale would help motivate me to be more active.
The zepp tennis would be good for me
The FitBit Aria WiFi Smart Scale would also help to keep me motivated
The Fitbit Flex would help
I love that the FitBit Charge HR comes in purple- so fun! 🙂 I've been getting more into walking and trying to exercise more- I'd love to try a FitBit to monitor how I'm doing! My Husband & I were wishing we had FitBits when we spent a 14 hour day at Disney world a couple of days ago- we must've taken a LOT of steps! 😉
The Fitbit HR would help me, and keep me motivated and challenged!
The Fitbit Charge HR sounds awesome. I also like the blood pressure monitor, how cool is technology?
the Jawbone UP24 is on my list!
I need the Withings Aura Smart Sleep System to get me up and moving in the morning! I am the worst for sleeping in! Because I don't work in the morning I will stay in bed forever. Even multiple, noisy alarms won't get me to move.
I would say the fitbit scale would keep me motivated.
I THINK THE fit bit scale so that I can monitor my progress (sabina edwardS)
the fitbit scale would be a good accompaniment to the fitbit for inspiration to move
Any of the FitBits that Telus sells would help me get more active. I like the FitBit fFlex.
The Fitbit Surge would be perfect to help me keep active as I’m starting to do running and cycling it would keep track of heart rate and activities. Not bulky phone to fight with when answering a call. It has everything needed.
Beats Powerbeats wireless
The Fitbit Scale would help me, it would keep me motivated to get active.
The scale
The Fitbit Scale would be awesome.
The Fitbit would be so handy to use so I can keep track of my movements and exercises.
I was just reading about the ox tracker & how you can wear it with a clip instead of as a bracelet- that's a cool feature!
The FitBit Scale would help better than my current scale.
Withings Aura Smart Sleep System
Any of the Fitbits, I would love to be able to track what I am doing.
I like the Withings Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor. Each home should have one handy to monitor one's vital signs
Fitbit Charge HR
The fitbit surge would definitely help me!
I like the ZEPP Tennis! I think this would help to keep me motivated in my fitness journey.
I'd like to have a Fitbit Charge to help me get more active.
ZeppTennis would be great because it tracks
the serves and smashes you hit.
Any of the Fitbits would be great, I have been wanting one but getting one has not been in the budget.
The fitness tech that would help me get more active is a Withings Aura Smart Sleep System which would hopefully keep my sleeping in a better track. More sleep = more energy!
M
Fitbit Scale would be great.
I would love the fitbit aria to help me gather more data!
The scale would be useful
The beats headphone would defiantly make being active more fun.
The wireless blood pressure monitor is something i could use
The Withings Aura Smart Sleep System looks very interesting ! I have always had problems sleeping well so this would be great to try !
The scale would be handy
Fitbit Flex is another i am interested in because it could help me choose my goal – by steps, calories, or distance – and helps track my daily progress towards achieving those goals.
I think the Withings Pulse Ox Activity Tracker would help me most.
I would be happy to own any one of the Fitbits since I have been wanting one for over a year.
the fitbit would help me with my exercise routine
The Fitbit Flex
Wireless headphones
The MisFit Shine would help me be more active.
the wireless headphones could really help me
The Fitbit surge would help be be able to track my activity better as my phone can only track steps and do my heart rate when I have it with me, https://shop.telus.com/accessory/smart/NSMT1061?I…
The Fitbit Surge would be a great tool to keep my activity level of track.
I like the Fitbit scale; it would be helpful to track progress
The first thing that caught my eye was the wireless blood pressure monitor. I didn't even know that existed.
Definitely Withings Pulse ox Activity Tracker
A Fitbit would be a great motivator, thanks for the chance to win!
The Fitbit scale would really help me keep track of my progress and help me reach my fitness goals.
Fitbit Surge Small would help because it would keep track steps, distance, calories burned and heart rate all day !
I would have to say the Beats Powerbeats wireless! Music gets me going!
Wireless Blood Pressure cuff, my husband uses many times a day and when he uses exercise equipment he must be monitored so this wireless set up would be perfect.
I would love the FitBIt Aria WiFi smart scale to keep me on track and help me continue to achieve my goals
The Fitbit charge in small would help me.
The Fitbit Charge HR – Small would help me to get on track to getting healthy!
The Beats Powerbeats wireless would help me keep on track with fitness regimes!
The Withings Aura Smart Sleep System would help me sleep better which would give me more energy to exercise.
Any of the Fitbits plyus the Fitbit Scale would be great to have!
I think the scale would come in handy
Anyone of the fitbits would help me track and be aware of my activities and how mobile I've been so that I can make positive changes
The Jawbone UP24 would help me be more active.
the blood pressure monitor
Other the FitBit Charge HR the Beats Powerbeats wireless would make me more active!
The fitbit would totally help me get ready for the TOUGH MUDDER this year!!!!
The Withings Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor would be perfect for keeping me on track and making sure my numbers were in a healthy range!
The Withings Pulse ox activity tracker
I would love the fitbit scale
The fitbit flex would take note of everything to help me work harder
The Beat Powerbeats Wireless Would be great to have, working in the yard, or going for a walk. They would keep me going.
I'd like the scale
fitbit charge would be nice it has alot of features
I think the FitBit Aria WiFi Smart Scale , would help me by keeping track of my weight loss goals
I would just love to get one of the Fitbits, I think it would be great for motivation. It has been on the want list but I haven't had the extra money to get one.
The Withings Aura Smart Sleep System is really cool – I struggle with sleep and it'd be really interesting to see how I'm sleeping at night!
I would absolutely love the Beats Powerbeats wireless. I can't workout without my music!
The small FitBit Charge HR would help me get more active.
The Beats Powerbeats wireless earphones would keep me grooving to the music all through my workout!
The activity tracker i would prefer the most
Definitely a Fitbit Charge because having the watch integrated would let me use it all the time! (Suzi)
the Aria WiFi Smart Scale. I think it's cool how it can give you a long-term progress. for me that's good motivation
The fitbit scale would help me get more active since it would allow me to keep track of my progress.
The Fitbit HR Charge would help me get more active! I could really use an activity tracker.
Fitbit Charge for me
I think the Beats Powerbeats wireless would be helpful in keeping me on track as music powers me through my work outs!
The scale would be top of my list.
Any of the Fitbits I would be thrilled with having!
i'd love the charge hr to track my NON sleep patterns
Withings Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor would help me get more active by daily tracking of your systolic, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate during activities.
The MisFit Shine or the FitBit Surge would help me be more active.
Fitbit!
The Misfit Shine would help me track my activity even when I'm cycling or swimming.