We should all be aware of how important physical activity is for our well-being. However, sometimes we just can’t find the time to incorporate some exercise into our daily routine. It seems as if modern-day living is always keeping us busy and we hardly have some time to go to the gym. Fortunately, there is no need to restrict your workouts to the gym – instead, you can work on including exercise in every aspect of your life so that you don’t lose precious time necessary for your various duties and still manage to live a healthy life. Here are some ways how you can add everyday fitness to your life.
Use your chores to exercise
Seeing as how you probably have some daily chores to take care of around the house, why not use them to get some exercise as well? For instance, why not play your favorite music and tend to some housework? Dance around while dusting and washing windows. Vacuuming and mopping are also quite physical so you are sure to burn some calories while dealing with these obligations. Wash the dishes by hand occasionally instead of putting them in the dishwasher. Walk your dog regularly, and you’ll both get a workout. If you have a backyard, doing some gardening work will also help you stay fit, so pull some weeds and rake some leaves.
Change your commuting habits
If you commute to work every day, think about how you actually spend that time. If your office is far away, you might have to drive there and that’s fine. But, when looking for parking, search for a space a bit farther away from the building so that you actually get to walk for a couple of minutes. On the other hand, if you use public transportation, you can get off one or two stops earlier and go for a 15-minute walk to the office. Also, while on the bus or subway, ride standing up as keeping your balance is a great workout.
Alternatively, consider replacing public transportation with a bike. Cycling to work will not only give you the needed exercise and some fresh air, it is also great for the environment and you are less likely to be stuck in traffic. Furthermore, if your workplace is not located too far from your home, you can walk all the way there and if the office has showers, you can even opt for a light jog while going to work. However, if you work from home, you have to look for other ways to stay active.
Find more active hobbies
We mentioned earlier that gardening is a good way to stay in shape but in case you have a black thumb, you can find some other interesting hobbies that will keep you active. For example, going hiking on the weekends can be super beneficial for both your mental and physical health. In addition to cycling to work, you can ride a bike around town or take it up a notch by going mountain biking. Visiting websites such as Bikes Online can help you find the right model for the activities you plan on doing. Just don’t forget about safety gear, such as helmets and lights, to stay out of harm’s way. If you’re an indoors type of person, there are still things you can do. Consider playing fitness-oriented games such as DDR, Nintendo Switch’s boxing or tennis games and PS4’s Just Dance.
Exercise at work
Regardless of whether you work from home or in an office, there are some ways how you can exercise while tending to your assignments. For starters, don’t stay at your cubicle while on a break. Walk around the office and talk to your coworkers or go outside to get some food, walk around the block and get some fresh air. It might not seem like a lot but just 30 minutes of walking can be very beneficial for your fitness. Furthermore, there are also exercises you can do while seated. Stretch your arms, shoulders and legs and do some core twists.
These exercises do not take a lot of time, you can do them while working or on your break and you will feel much better after you start doing them on a daily basis. Finally, the little things matter too. Instead of using elevators and escalators, take the stairs if your office is not on the ground floor. You don’t have to do it every time but at least once a day would be great. Of course, no one expects you to get to the 20th floor on foot – two or three floors is enough.
Get an adjustable desk
If you spend a lot of time behind a desk, you should look for an adjustable model that you can use when sitting as well as when standing. Being able to stand while working will help you burn more calories and potentially reduce back pain, in addition to many other health benefits.
Set a time for exercise
On the other hand, if you do have enough time during the day, why not set some of it aside for fitness? You can go to the gym early in the morning, to get energized before work. If you’re not sure which exercises are right for you, you can always turn to professionals that work there. This can also be done from the comfort of your home. Get some home gym essentials, such as kettlebells, dumbbells, mats and resistance bands. Invest in some bigger machines such as a treadmill or a stationary bike as well. After that, look online to create a workout plan. Alternatively, if you do not like gym-related activities, you should look for something that you do like. For instance, swimming a few times a week or running in the morning with some great tunes could be just what you need.
As you can see, regardless of how much free time you have on your hands, there is always a way to incorporate some fitness into your daily routine. Whether that means setting time aside for gym workouts or just exercising while you work and commute, you’re staying active and that’s what counts.
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