You don’t need to take extra time out of your day to elevate your heart rate and use extra muscle − every movement adds up! Maintaining an active lifestyle is even more important than bouts of regular exercise.

The following activities add extra movement into your day with the additional benefit that most of them can include spending time with a loved-one – and it can be fun too:

    • Shopping. Women take 8000 steps on average when going on a shopping spree. That is almost the recommended daily number of steps of 10000, but now they’re taken while having fun.
    • Cleaning. Housework needs to be done anyway and sweeping, dusting and cleaning get the blood flowing.
    • Gardening. Enjoy the sun and outdoors while using the muscles in your body.
    • Playing. Sharing activities with your children can be as beneficial for you as it is for them … if you can keep up!
    • Having hobbies. Geocaching, for example, is a great way of exploring new places on foot while covering surprising distances.
    • Playing a musical instrument. Not only is it fun and relaxing, but research shows that playing an instrument can burn as many kilojoules as walking for the same amount of time.
    • Stretching. Stretching while watching television improves your overall wellbeing and helps you to relax.

Even at work there are many ways to get moving without actually working out, such as the following:

    • Take the stairs instead of the lift. Yes, you’ve heard it before because it’s effective.
    • Use a standing desk at work, or sit on a medicine ball instead of a chair. It is a great way of improving your posture and concentration.
    • Get up to see a colleague instead of calling or emailing. You can even arrange walking meetings.
    • Use your lunch break. Whether it is to go for a walk or a visit to your favourite café, it is an opportunity to move.
    • Park a bit further away from work or the bus stop. Use the chance to walk/bike where and when you can.
    • Share a short trip on foot with your spouse. It can be an opportunity to catch up on the day’s events while staying active.

By making a few changes to your everyday routine, you are exercising without even realising it.

 

Sources

www.breakingmuscle.com
www.dailymail.co.uk
www.nerdfitness.com
www.medicaldaily.com