While we all know how important it is for our physical and mental health to get exercise on a regular basis, it’s also so easy to justify missing a workout after you’ve had a long and busy day. But luckily, there are plenty of ways that you can sneak exercise into your day and start getting more physical activity without really having to change your routines too much.
To show you how this can be done, here are three simple ways to get more exercise during your day.
Take Every Chance To Walk A Little Bit More
One of the first and easiest things you can start doing to get more exercise during the day is to just walk a little bit more than you’re already doing.
According to Joel Snape, a contributor to The Guardian, this can be done by choosing to take the stairs rather than the elevator, parking at the far end of the lot rather than looking for the closest spot, or getting off your bus or train ride a few stops early. Even add just a little more walking each day can make a huge difference. Just be careful when you’re walking on the streets, as getting hit by a car could really set your progress back while you recover physically.
Exercise When At Your Desk
Depending on what you do for work, you might not have the opportunity to get a lot of physical activity or movement during your workday. If this is the case for you, you should try to find ways that you can get some mild exercise while at your desk.
To help you with some ideas, Everyday Health recommends trying things like using hand weights to do things like bicep curls or tricep extensions while you’re on the phone or reading emails. You could also take more frequent, short breaks to do things like squats, pushups, or a few crunches. Even just fidgeting more or dancing in your seat can help get your body moving and your blood flowing.
Don’t Use A Shopping Cart
Another great option to get some extra cardio and strength training during your day, according to Health.com, is to forgo using a shopping cart and just use reusable grocery bags when at the market. By having to carry around your groceries as you meander the aisles of the grocery store, you’ll be building up your muscles and getting some much needed exercise.
While you might just want to use this idea when going on small shopping trips, you could enlist the help of your family members or friends if you have a bigger list to get from the store, helping your loved ones live healthier lives as well.
If you’re looking for some simple ways to get more exercise in your daily life, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you find just those opportunities.