5 Ways to Easily Incorporate More Exercise Into Your Life
Don’t have time to go to the gym for epic sessions five days a week? Americans in particular are piling more demands upon themselves, both professionally and personally, and exercise is often the first thing to slip to the back burner. Whether you don’t like gym workouts, don’t have time for it or are so slammed that you need to squeeze in workouts in small increments, it’s possible. However, it may require some creativity.
Choosing to ride a bike to work or on errands instead of driving is one of the simplest ways to squeeze in more exercise. More cities are becoming bike-friendly, but it’s still important to brush up on bike safety. It’s everyone’s job to avoid a collision, and you’re naturally more vulnerable on a bike than behind the wheel of a car.
However, there are a plethora of other ways to maximize your workouts, too. Try one or all of these on a daily basis to burn more calories, gain strength or increase flexibility:
1. Park as far away as possible
Not only will this require you to walk more, you’ll likely snag parking spots with no cars on either side of you. This means less mystery dings and a higher car value. Plus, if you park far away while shopping, you get the added strength training of hauling bags longer distances.
2. Schedule office stretching
Your body won’t be at its best if you’re sedentary for hours each day at the desk. In order to get moving, schedule mini breaks every 20 minutes. Allot yourself three minutes of yoga, walking around the office, or keep some light dumbbells or bands to get a Lilliputian workout session in.
3. Take the stairs
This is one piece of advice that you’ve heard before, but are you actually practicing it? You get bonus points if you run the stairs or take them two at a time. Plus, going down stairs is a great way to increase bone density, which is crucial as a person ages.
4. Choose to stand
It doesn’t matter if it’s on your daily commute or as you watch a favorite TV episode. Standing burns more calories than sitting, and it also gives you a chance to work on your posture, too. Practicing mountain pose with proper alignment can help immensely with back pain and your appearance.
5. Practice pranayama any time
Most people think of poses (asanas) when they think of yoga, but practicing your breathing is just as important. This can lead to better lung function, blood flow and even a longer life span. There are many types of pranayamas, and something like four-count breath can be done anywhere at any time.
Any option for enjoying more exercise is worth exploring. Are you making the most of your daily grind?
Guest Author: Lolita Di