All in a Day’s Workout
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults exercise at least 2.5 hours per week at a moderate-intensity level. You’ve already worked a long work day, up before the sun and done after it has set, and now people want you to add on exercise? Who has time for the gym? Heck, who has money for a gym? No, thank you.
Fortunately, you don’t need a gym or a ton of time to exercise. In fact, you can get your recommended exercise in throughout the work day so you can finally go home and watch season four of House of Cards.
One of the easiest ways to add some steps to your daily routine is to park at the furthest parking spot available.
When you’re at the grocery store, carry bags to fill up instead of pushing around a shopping cart … may as well get that extra arm work done too while stocking up on food.
Take the stairs whenever it’s an option. If you work on the 15th floor and that just seems excessive, take the elevator to floor ten and walk up from there. In a couple weeks, start at floor nine, then eight and soon you’ll literally be a stairmaster.
Instead of eating lunch at your desk, grab your headphones or a coworker and head outside for some stress-relieving, heart-pumping speed walking. If you’ve got a phone meeting, take it outside and walk instead of sitting at your desk.
If it’s an option for you at work, sit on an exercise ball instead of a chair. Sitting at a desk all day puts a lot of strain on your back and using an exercise ball will not only help you stay more aware of your posture, but work on your core and stability. If you can use one, add in little exercises throughout the day, such as lifting one foot off the ground at a time or moving the ball forward and backwards with your hips, as that will challenge your muscles in an unstable environment.
Take your happy hours to the park instead of the bar. Avoid that overcrowded patio and bring some blankets, a frisbee, and a ball to Cheesman and catch up with your friends while running around. Beer is cheaper this way too.
Spend your weekend gardening, washing your car, walking to the coffee shop, or getting your dance on. The upcoming spring weather is perfect for outdoor activities and biking, so utilize the weather while you can.
The last piece of advice comes from Carrie Bradshaw herself: “Shopping is my cardio.” Take a few laps around the mall, the grocery store, Target — why use a boring treadmill when you can window shop and get your exercise in? Plus, the more you shop, the heavier the bags you’re carrying will be, and at that point you’re even adding strength to your cardio.
Remember, getting in your exercise doesn’t mean taking time out to go to the gym or even putting on your workout gear. Use your daily activities to your advantage and see where you can sneak in exercise that fits in to your needs.
