When you think of exercise, you probably picture activities such as jogging, cycling, or lifting weights in a gym. However, exercise can take many different forms. The goal is to spend more time moving. What’s more, your workouts don’t have to last for a full 30 minutes at a time. You can break them up into smaller chunks throughout the day, lasting at least 10 minutes. Here are 20 ways to sneak in more exercise.
- Take a walk after dinner every night.
- Turn up the music and dance!
- Climb the stairs instead of taking the elevator.
- Park farther away from buildings so you get in more steps.
- Play a sport—join a local team and you’ll get in a workout while making new friends.
- Do chores around the house that keep you on your feet.
- Walk your dog instead of letting him outside in the yard.
- Stand up and walk while taking work calls instead of sitting.
- Hit the mall and walk, especially if the weather isn’t ideal for strolling outside.
- Work in the yard—rake, weed, plant, or mow.
- Skip the car wash and wash your car by hand.
- Stay active while watching TV—walk around, jog in place, or do sit-ups.
- Find exercise YouTube videos you enjoy doing at home.
- Choose family activities that keep you active, such as going to the park, lake, or zoo.
- Join your kids and go swimming at the pool.
- When it snows, use a shovel instead of a snowblower.
- Find an exercise buddy—a friend or family member who can help you stick with your plan, exercise together, and motivate you to live a more active life.
- Go hiking at a nearby park.
- Walk up and down the sidelines during your kids’ sports games.
- Keep hand weights available so you can grab them and do a few reps any time, even while on the phone.
Article from The StayWell Company, LLC