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It is simply not part of the American woman's culture for her to be riding a bicycle to and from places during the day. There is a pronounced demarcation between activity and exercise. If a woman were to walk up five flights of stairs during day at her job or apartment, she would not need to punish herself as much in the gym to stay thin.

The author identifies a few principles that American women can follow to benefit from the same attitude that many French women have with respect to food and exercise. These are very simple steps that anyone can take that will help burn off calories and thus help keep a person fit.

1) Instead of saving the amount of steps you take per day try to multiply them. For example, don't drive your car around in circles at a shopping mall just to get a parking spot that is close to the door. Try parking your car at one of the furthest points from the entrance and walk the extra distance.

This may seem petty but if you were to simply burn up an additional 50 calories a day, over one year that would equate to 5 pounds. Therefore, whenever it is possible for you to do so, walk instead of drive your car. For lunchtime at work, get out of the office and take a couple laps around your building instead of sitting at your desk.

2) Do some simple resistance training during your daily activities. Wherever possible, you can use your own body weight as resistance. Isometric exercises, which include contracting and relaxing your muscles, can also benefit you in terms of weight loss and gaining strength. You can do these contractions and relaxations in the car on your way to work or on the subway.

3) Be sure to include activities that strengthen your core as these abdominal muscles are responsible for holding your organs in place and they promote good posture and a healthy spine when they are strong. As you go about your daily routine, try to do a few sit-ups, regardless of whether it is in the morning or evening.