I've been the queen of idleness for as long as I can remember. The thorn in my side has always been finding ways to be more active, whether it was faking ailments to get out of gym class or becoming tired after walking up one flight of stairs (and, you know, actually using them).
Start small and work your way up to more intensive exercises if you're like me and need asleep after seeing someone jog by you. If you push yourself too hard at first, it's unlikely that you'll be able to maintain a good fitness regimen... because you won't be able to walk.
Here are some simple techniques to become more active that I now utilize on a regular basis. You'll be shocked how much better you'll feel if you're attentive of the little things you can do to transform each of your everyday duties into a mini-workout!
Jump to:
1. Take walks
If you're already groaning, create incentives to help you stay motivated. I don't subscribe to magazines anymore; instead, I stroll to the corner shop to get the newest editions. Creating a buddy system may also be beneficial: instead of inviting your friend over for tea, arrange for them to go for a daily walk and connect. The chat will take your attention away from the activity.
2. Use the stairwell
I know it's a no-brainer, but how frequently do you still use the elevator? Climbing stairs for five minutes may burn up to 150 calories!
3. Thoroughly clean
I used to live with a man who wasn't very neat. I subsequently found that an extremely tidy session may burn up to 200 calories each hour, which was as annoying as it was at the time. So, Sloppy Slopperson, thank you.
4. Instead of a shopping cart, use a basket
Use a basket instead of a cart if you simply have a few items to pick up after work. It's like an automated weightlifting session (and if you're like me, you'll get quite a workout out of it!)
5. Move your car farther away
By parking farther away from your destination, you may add in some additional walking time. With how crowded many parking lots have gotten, you'll not only burn calories but also save a lot of time (and possible accidents) waiting for a place to open up closer to your destination.
6. Have some fun with your dogs
It goes without saying that keeping a dog entails a lot of walks and playtime. Tie a ribbon/string around your wrist and let it hang to the floor for the kitty lovers out there whose kitties make lounging around seem fantastic. Your cat will chase you around the house when you're cleaning or performing any other task that demands a lot of movement. I began doing this with my cat, and now he's completely enamored with it! As every cat lover knows, he now takes it upon himself to pull the ribbon to my feet.
7. Keep moving/cleaning while on the phone
My family and I talk on the phone for at least an hour at a time. I now actively walkabout (typically with a ribbon tied to my wrist) as we talk, or I put on my headset to keep my hands free for a neat session.
8. Set a timer
I'm always writing, so I forget how long I've been sitting while I'm absorbed in what I'm doing. It's like if I blink and an hour has gone. Set an alarm for every hour to remind you to get up and stretch or walk around for at least two minutes. Try Break Pal, a tool that displays a three-minute exercise on your monitor every half hour.
9. Work out while watching television
I know I should encourage you to watch less television, but that would make me a hypocrite since no one dares to interrupt my programs while they're on! However, there's no rule that says you have to sit around and watch them (unfortunately): mix in some mini-workouts while you're viewing them.
10. Donate to a worthy cause
Sponsor charity walks or runs for causes that are important to you. As an incentive to train before, during, and after each charity walk/run, dedicate it to someone you care about.
