Take a break from your day-to-day tasks and make time for movement. It doesn’t have to be complicated– small, simple exercises or activities can make a big difference in energy levels, focus, and improved health. In this blog article you’ll find 10 easy ways that you can incorporate more movement into your daily life for better health.
Introduction
Sedentary lifestyles are a major problem in today’s society. In fact, studies have shown that sitting for long periods of time can be just as harmful to your health as smoking cigarettes.1 Movement is crucial for overall health and well-being. It helps to improve blood circulation, increase energy levels, and prevent chronic diseases.2 There are many easy ways to add more movement into your everyday life. Here are a few tips:
Use the Stairs Instead of Elevators and Escalators
When it comes to getting more movement into your day, one of the simplest things you can do is to use the stairs instead of elevators or escalators. This doesn’t mean that you have to start taking the stairs everywhere you go, but if you have the option, choose the steps over the elevator. Not only is this a great way to get some extra steps in, but it can also be a great way to get your heart rate up and get some cardio in as well. If you’re not used to taking the stairs, start slow by taking them once a day or a few times a week and gradually increase how often you do it. Soon enough it will become second nature!
Take More Walks During Your Day
Walking is a great way to get some exercise into your day, and it doesn’t have to be a long, strenuous walk to reap the benefits. Just a few extra minutes of walking each day can make a big difference in your health. Here are some easy ways to add more walks into your day: 1. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator when possible. 2. Park your car further away from your destination and walk the extra distance. 3. Get up and stretch or walk around for a couple of minutes every hour if you have a sedentary job. 4. Take your dog for an extra walk each day, or go for a walk with a friend or family member. 5. Invest in a pedometer or fitness tracker and aim to take 10,000 steps each day.
Choose Activity Over Inactivity Whenever Possible
We all know that staying active is important for our health, but sometimes it can be hard to find the time or motivation to get moving. Here are some easy ways to add more movement into your everyday life so you can stay healthy and happy: 1. Choose activity over inactivity whenever possible. Whenever you have a choice between sitting down and standing up, take the opportunity to move your body. For example, instead of sitting in front of the TV, go for a walk or jog around the block. Or, if you’re working at a desk job, try to stand up and walk around every 20 minutes or so. 2. Make fitness a part of your daily routine. Just like brushing your teeth or taking a shower, make fitness a part of your daily routine that you don’t skip. Even if it’s just a quick 10-minute workout, getting your body moving each day will help keep you healthy in the long run. 3. Get creative with your workouts. You don’t have to go to the gym or lift weights to get a good workout – there are plenty of other ways to get moving and have fun at the same time. Try something new like hiking, dancing, playing tennis or basketball, swimming, or even jumping on a trampoline. By variety in your workouts, you’ll not only keep things interesting but you’ll also challenge your body
Add a Yoga or Pilates Practice to Your Daily Routine
A yoga or Pilates practice can help improve your flexibility, posture, and overall strength. Not to mention, it can be a great way to de-stress after a long day. If you’re new to yoga or Pilates, there are plenty of beginner-friendly classes available online or at your local gym.
Spend Less Time Sitting at Work and At Home
Sitting for long periods of time has been linked to a host of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Even if you exercise regularly, prolonged sitting can offset the health benefits of physical activity. That’s why it’s important to find ways to move more throughout the day. Here are some easy ways to add more movement into your everyday life: 1. Spend less time sitting at work and at home. If you have a desk job, take regular breaks to walk around or do some light stretching. And when you’re at home, instead of plopping down on the couch after dinner, take a brisk walk around the neighborhood or play with your kids or pets in the backyard. 2. Get up and move every hour. Set a timer on your phone or computer to remind you to get up and move every hour. Even just a few minutes of walking around will help break up the monotony of sitting all day and improve your overall health. 3. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Whenever possible, take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. This is a great way to sneak in some extra movement throughout your day without having to make a concerted effort to do so.
Get Outside for Fresh Air and Exercise
We all know that we should be exercising for our health, but sometimes it can be hard to find the time or motivation to get started. One easy way to add more movement into your everyday life is to simply get outside for some fresh air and exercise. Taking a brisk walk around the block or going for a light jog are both great exercises to do outdoors, and you’ll also get the added benefits of fresh air and vitamin D from the sun. If you have a dog, this is also a great way to get them some exercise too!
Start a Home Workout Routine
Few things are as important to our health as staying active, but it can be tough to find the time and motivation to work out. That’s why we’ve put together this list of easy ways to add more movement into your everyday life. 1. Start a home workout routine One of the best ways to make sure you get enough exercise is to start a home workout routine that you can stick to. There are tons of great workout programs and DVDs available, or you can find free routines online. If you have some basic equipment like dumbbells and a stability ball, even better! Having some gym gear at home will make it easier to stay motivated and get in a good workout even when you don’t have time to go to the gym. 2. Invest in a standing desk If you spend most of your day sitting at a desk, it’s important to find ways to sneak in some extra movement. One way to do this is by investing in a standing desk, which allows you to stand while you work. There are also desks that come with built-in treadmills so you can walk while you work – talk about killing two birds with one stone! If neither of these options is possible for you, simply make sure to get up and move around for a few minutes every hour or so.
Look for Small Opportunities to Move Throughout the Day
We all know that being active and moving our bodies is important for our health, but sometimes it can be difficult to find the time or motivation to get up and move. However, there are a lot of small opportunities throughout the day to add a little bit of extra movement into your life, which can make a big difference in your overall health. Here are some easy ways to add more movement into your everyday life: 1. Take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible. 2. Park at the farthest spot from your destination when running errands. 3. Get up and walk around for a couple minutes every hour or so if you have a sedentary job. 4. Go for a short walk after dinner each evening. 5. Do some stretches or light exercises while watching TV in the evening. 6. Invest in a fitness tracker and set daily step goals to challenge yourself.
Increase Household Chores
There are a lot of benefits to getting your body moving more throughout the day, but it can be tough to find the time or motivation to do so. One easy way to increase your daily movement is to incorporate more household chores into your routine. This could involve anything from taking regular breaks to move around while you’re doing chores like laundry or dishes, to going for a walk or jog before or after you vacuum the house. Not only will this help you get your body moving, but it can also make your household chores feel less like a chore. Plus, it’s a great way to get the whole family involved in being more active. So next time you’re looking for ways to add more movement into your day, consider how you can turn some of your everyday tasks into an opportunity to get moving.