Do you need to exercise to lose weight? Um, not necessarily, but yes you do. Wait. Let us double-check with Mr. Obvious.

“Exercise to lose weight,� says Mr. Obvious.

He continues, “There is more to exercise than just losing weight. It will also improve your appearance by firming up muscles and smoothing out curves.�

If you cannot afford fancy equipment or membership in a gym, do not worry. And do not fall for claims that guarantee miraculous results with no effort on your part. A long-term program of regular exercise is a key to effective weight loss.

But daily, vigorous exercise is not always necessary, or even desirable, if your lifestyle has become quite sedentary. Instead, you can get more mileage out of your daily routine. Little ways of increasing your activity, such as the following 10, can add up:

1) Use stairs instead of the elevator.

2) Walk or bicycle as much as possible instead of driving.

3) Get off the bus one stop early, and walk the rest of the way.

4) Park at the far end of the parking lot

5) Avoid the drive-up window at the bank. Walk inside instead.

6) Stand rather then sit while talking on the phone or reading a magazine.

7) Take a short walk at lunchtime

Take advantage of your household chores. Push the vacuum cleaner or the lawn mower a little harder, or mop the floor more vigorously.

9) Try some sit-ups while you watch TV

10) Do anything but sit still. Every extra move burns up calories. [source: USDA]