8 Tips to Fit an Energizing Workout into Your Busy Schedule
It’s hard to not watch the news or come across an infomercial telling you the numerous benefits of exercise and living an active lifestyle. We’ve all heard how being physically fit can help you control your weight, reduce the risk of certain diseases and even improve your mental health.
Even workplaces are getting in on this trend, with many companies offering a wellness program as part of their benefits package to employees. So check with your employer to find out if your organization provides discounts to a local gym, classes or offers anything on-site. Take advantage of any options that would work for you to help you meet your fitness goals.
But between our commitments at work and at home, sometimes it can be hard to make time to go to the gym every day. And, that’s okay! Being active is about more than just going to the gym and hopping on a treadmill or bike to do a “traditional workout.” Finding simple and easy ways to increase your activity during the day can go a long way to help you become more active.
Whether at work or after, here are some ideas to create a more active lifestyle:
Take the Stairs. Work in an office building? Instead of using the elevator, take the stairs whenever possible. If you’re feeling really ambitious, take a break to climb the stairs for twenty minutes during your lunch break for a midday workout.
Go For a Walk. Taking a 15 to 20 minute walk during the day can help clear your mind, and add some extra steps into your day. Help keep yourself motivated and committed by grabbing one of your colleagues to walk with you.
Stretch at Your Desk. Sitting for long periods of time can leave you feeling stiff. Take a few minutes during your day to perform some easy stretches or yoga poses. See some examples of stretches the Mayo Clinic recommends for desk-dwellers.
Participate in an Activity You Enjoy. Did you play a sport growing up or is there one you always wanted to try? Many towns and cities have recreational programs offering a wide variety of sports classes and leagues. Not only is it fun, but it can also be a great way to get out and meet new people.
Try a New Workout Routine. Can’t make it to the gym? Streaming online workouts through sites such as DailyBurn and BeachBody® have become extremely popular lately, and offer you a wide variety of workouts. Many sites even offer a free trial. Choose the program that best fits your fitness goals, and work out in the comfort of your own home.
Watching TV? Use the Commercial Break. The two to three minutes of commercial time during your favorite show can become the perfect opportunity to add a little activity to your day. Try it: do some sit-ups, squats or pushups during all the breaks in one TV show. If you watch an hour show, you’ve just added about sixteen minutes of active time to your day!
Park and Walk. Running errands and even going to work can give you another opportunity to increase your steps, simply by parking your car further away.
Opt for an Active Activity with Your Friends or Family. We all enjoy downtime with our family and friends. Maybe that’s typically meeting up for dinner or Happy Hour. But, next time you are making plans with someone or trying to figure out something fun to do with your family, maybe suggest something a bit more active: try hiking, bowling, playing a sport or even going for a walk.
Select one or two options from the above that you think might be the best fit for you, and give them a try. It’s all about finding a way to fit an active lifestyle into your daily routine. And once it becomes part of your routine, it’s much easier to keep it going!
TAGS: fitness