I was reminded this morning about how easy it is to find ways add more movement and natural exercise to your day.
I hear every week from people who tell me about how busy they are and how they just don’t have time for exercise or fitness.
I think that you can make exercise a priority and find time in your day for some focused or planned exercise – this is the best way to make it work – actually plan exercise in to the schedule of your day. However, if you or someone you know insists that they just don’t have time for it, I’d like to make a couple of suggestions for how you can incorporate important elements of physical fitness into your daily life.
1. Skip the elevators. I’d suggest doing this all the time – up and down, but even if it’s just on the way down, the extra walking and the jostling from taking the steps will do your body good.
2. Walk to your mailbox. When you get home, don’t drive up to your mailbox or stop by it as you enter your building. Take a walk down your driveway to get your mail, or walk down the steps in your apartment building to get your mail. Look for ways like this to add some extra steps to the things you have to do anyways and burn a few more calories along the way.
3. Take a walk break at least every hour at work. Studies consistently show that sitting for extended periods is not good for you, and in fact cause physiological changes in your blood chemistry and metabolism. Take a short walk periodically, or stand for short periods while doing your work. Some work places will even allow you to have a standing workstation.
4. Park a little further from the store. When you go on errands, stop looking for the closest parking space. You can save time and get a walk in by choosing a spot a little further out in the parking lot. Your vehicle’s body will be less likely to get dents and dings, and your body will benefit too. If you only have a bag or two when you come out of the store, carry them instead of using a cart.
There are many other things you can do as well to add what I call natural exercise to your day. While I don’t think it’s a total substitute for deliberate planned exercise, it’s a good way to get some extra movement during the day. Remember, your body was made for movement, and finding ways to incorporate natural elements of movement and fitness during your day is one way to help keep your body healthier. You might find that it motivates you to schedule some time in your day and build it in your schedule.
Questions or comments? Use the field below – I’d love to hear from you.