Simple Ways to Add Activity to Your Life

To improve your fitness level, you don’t need to join a gym, invest in expensive equipment or run 10 miles a day.  You can start by increasing your everyday activities. 

Here are some simple ideas:

• Turn household chores into an exercise routine.  The calories burned while you’re doing household chores can really add up.  In fact, many household chores burn just as many calories as workouts do.

• Plant a garden.  Yard work offers some of the most labor intensive chores.  Tasks like digging and raking the leaves not only burn a lot of calories but can help tone muscles in your arms and legs.

• Parking your car far away from your destination and walking the distance are not a replacement for a good aerobic workout, but they do burn calories and in some cases, help tone muscles.

• For short trips, try bicycling instead of driving.  It will burn calories and also help the environment!

• Take the stairs when you can instead of an elevator or escalator.  Use a pedometer to track your steps and you’ll feel accomplished when you see the number rising while you’re body reaps the benefits.

• Plan family activities.  Even something as simple as playtime outdoors with the family can help you lose some pounds and stay healthy.  Whether it’s running, Frisbee, or playing tag together, just having fun with the family can give you some much needed activity.

• Dancing is another great way to burn off mega calories while you have a great time.  If you do not have the money to take a class you can buy a DVD for a reasonable price and practice at home.

• Another great way to get active and improve your health is to start walking with friends.  Meet during the week to take a brisk walk together, either in the morning before your day begins, during lunch, or in the evening after work.  If you have a pet dog they would make an excellent walking partner as well!

• Hate commercials use that time to do simple exercises, check out “5 Exercises You Can do During Commercials”

• One great idea for losing weight the fun way is to play group sports.  Next time, instead of dragging yourself to the gym and those dreaded machines, check out the recreation center in your area. Start playing soccer, softball, volleyball, or basketball. With these activities, you’ll be burning off the calories while having fun at the same time!

Tags: Fitness, Walking, weight

Category: Get Moving