By this point, we should all know about the benefits of exercise and living a healthy lifestyle. Yet finding the time to incorporate a fitness program into our daily lifestyle can be difficult and sometimes disappointing! Here are a few tips that will help you fit fitness into your busy schedule:
- Don’t Ride… Walk! How many times do you find yourself frustrated while sitting in heavy traffic, waiting at a stoplight or trying to find a parking space? Chances are, you could have avoided that frustration by leaving your car keys at home and walking to your destination. Stop using your vehicle to take short trips and start walking instead. That convenience store at the corner is just a quick walk away and won’t take that much more time than driving would. Not only will you get some fresh air AND a little exercise, you’ll save some wear and tear on your car as well! You can also use this time to clear your head and enjoy being outdoors. If your destination is just too far away and you do have to drive, try to park as far away as possible. That little bit extra can go a long way and remember… it all adds up!
- Don’t Chain Yourself to Your Desk! At work, we often find ourselves sitting in front of a computer for very long periods of time. Wouldn’t it be nice to “take a break” and still get some work done? Instead of calling one of your office mates to deliver a message, walk over to their desk and hand-deliver it. This is an excellent way to stretch out those stiff muscles after sitting down too long. If there is an elevator at your office, don’t use it! Granted, if it’s more than 6 flights, you are probably ok taking the elevator. But if it’s less than that, take the stairs. Climbing the stairs will get you some great exercise and you’ll still get to the next floor faster than your co-workers who are still waiting for the elevator. Plus, you can avoid that uncomfortable elevator silence! Another way to add exercise into your work day is to turn your real breaks into “revitalization” breaks. Bring your walking shoes and take a quick walk. It doesn’t matter if you’re indoors or outdoors as long as you talk at a moderate pace for 10 minutes. That is enough time to get your heart rate up and you won’t even break a sweat in your work clothes. Use this time to reduce your stress level or invite your co-workers for a little social time! You’ll all benefit from your daily work walks!
- Don’t be a Couch Potato! No, this doesn’t mean that you can’t watch television. We all do it! It does mean that you should utilize those boring commercial breaks to add in some exercise. Take a “physical break” from television and climb your stairs a few times, lift some light weights or do some stretching. Use wireless headphones and watch television while you’re working out on your exercise equipment if you just can’t miss that show! Also, be creative with the things you can do at home to combat a dormant lifestyle and get moving! Have a push mower? Use it instead of riding around on your rider mower next time you need to mow the lawn. You’ll thank yourself later!
Use these tips to incorporate exercise into your busy schedule. You’ll find that taking the time to get a little exercise in throughout the day will help you in your fitness plan and help you relieve stress. The benefits will always outweigh the drawbacks in the long run. You CAN fit fitness into your busy schedule and live a healthier lifestyle!
