Sometimes, it’s hard to fit a gym session or a run into your day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do something active. Let’s check out some ways you can fit more exercise into your life.
In this article, I’m going to stretch the definition of exercise a bit to include other healthy activities, like, well, stretching and balancing. They might not burn loads of calories, but they’re still good for you. We’re also going to skip some of the obvious ways to get more exercise, like going to the gym or taking up a sport you enjoy. Everyone knows those. We want to look at ways you can slip activity into your day-to-day life, even when you’re busy.
How to Get More Exercise at Home
Your home is where you spend most of your downtime, but it’s also a great place to sneak in a bit of extra activity.
One of the simplest ways you can do this is by starting each day with some push-ups, crunches, or air squats. As soon as you roll out of bed, take five minutes to get your heart rate up and your body moving. It’ll wake you up and get your day off to a good start. It doesn’t matter what your current level is—even ten push-ups, crunches, or air squats is enough. As your fitness improves, you can increase the volume without having to increase the amount of time.
You don’t have to exercise first thing in the morning if that doesn’t work for you. You could do the same set of 10 push-ups, crunches, or air squats as soon as you walk in the door from work, whenever a commercial break comes on the TV, while you wait for the microwave, immediately before you sit down to eat, or whenever you check Instagram. Pick a few events throughout the day you can spend 60 seconds exercising after.
Vigorous cleaning is another good way to get your heart rate up. If you’ve got a few minutes to spare, throw on one of your favorite pump-up songs, and tidy your living room. Your house gets cleaner, and you get healthier.
Pick something like squatting or a stretch you need to do, and do it while you brush your teeth every day. It’s free time, so take advantage! I stand on one leg while brushing. My balance is terrible, but I’m working on it.
Almost everyone could benefit from more stretching. It’s a pretty passive (and boring) activity. So, why not pair it with something you almost certainly do every day, like watching TV. Instead of just sitting in a heap on your couch, take a few minutes to stretch out your whole body while you watch your favorite shows. Again, you just fit something healthy into your day without having to change up your routine in a significant way.
If you have kids, why not play with them outside for 20 minutes each day? Playing catch or going for a short walk are great ways to combine quality family time with exercise.
