Maybe it’s because the weather is getting warmer and sunnier, or maybe it’s just because I’ve had to do some research lately on health and wellness, whatever the reason, for these last few weeks I’ve been trying to get back on track exercise-wise.

Step one: Start taking the stairs (I always walk up the escalator, but it still feels like cheating!).

I’ve also been reading about how sitting can kill you, so for step two, I installed this app called Time Out on my work computer to remind me to get off my butt every hour and take a stroll around the office. I’d do jumping jacks but that might disturb people…

Step three: Wear my iPod Nano and use its pedometer feature to make sure I get up to 10,000 steps a day! I get up during commercials now and go do the dishes or sweep, thank you 20 extra steps!

Four: Swap dogs with Mom. Maximus gets to play with “Grandma,” while I go run with his “sister” Nikita, who is usually pleased about the faster pace. The first time I ran with her, I was ahead and pulling her along feeling amazing that I was more in shape than my family’s husky…then we went on a nice squirrel hunt, Nikita happily leaping and panting, me awkwardly stumbling and puffing. At least, she’s considerate enough to lead me on the occasional sprint, clearly wanting to intensify my workout.

Hopefully my next step will be to get a bike, especially after reading about all the wonderful places to bike in Montreal. A friend of mine is selling her pink bike that managed not to get stolen while she was living in Montreal. Sold!

And finally, step six is to enjoy being able to take this guy out for longer walks!!

Are you getting your health back on track? What steps do you take?