We were recently asked this question by one of our patients:
“I wish I could go to the gym, but it’s hard to find the time! Is there anything I can do every day without going to the gym that count as good exercise? I don’t always want to go to the gym, and the thought of running doesn’t appeal to me at all!”
In an ideal world, most of us would like to hit the iron jungle daily and fit in some form of exercise. But sometimes, life gets in the way of our goals, and we’re too busy with things to do; to make it to the gym and get a workout in. Not only that – but the gym, going for a run, or a bike ride doesn’t always sound appealing. For as long as exercise has existed, people have assumed you needed to break a sweat, or at least raise your heart rate for a long period of time for an activity to count towards exercise.
But this is not true!
“I wish I could go to the gym, but it’s hard to find the time! Is there anything I can do every day without going to the gym that count as good exercise? I don’t always want to go to the gym, and the thought of running doesn’t appeal to me at all!”
In an ideal world, most of us would like to hit the iron jungle daily and fit in some form of exercise. But sometimes, life gets in the way of our goals, and we’re too busy with things to do; to make it to the gym and get a workout in. Not only that – but the gym, going for a run, or a bike ride doesn’t always sound appealing. For as long as exercise has existed, people have assumed you needed to break a sweat, or at least raise your heart rate for a long period of time for an activity to count towards exercise.
But this is not true!
It’s been proven that short bursts of high intensity exercise are extremely beneficial for our health when we’re strapped for time. Of course, we all know that running on the treadmill gets our heart rate up, and that doing Pilates builds our core. But, what most people don’t realize is that there are plenty of opportunities during your day to sneak exercise into your routine while also crossing things off your to-do list.
Not every workout has to include a 6-mile run or an intense workout session in the gym. So, if you find yourself struggling to get a daily workout in – here’s some everyday activities that you can count as a exercise.
Not every workout has to include a 6-mile run or an intense workout session in the gym. So, if you find yourself struggling to get a daily workout in – here’s some everyday activities that you can count as a exercise.
Walking
Walking is one of the most underrated forms of exercise. Walking at a good pace is still a cardiovascular output so you don’t need to be running outside or on a treadmill. In some capacity every day, we all walk. So, try to add some more time and distance while you’re walking.
At some point every day, you will be walking, so try to add some more time and distance while you’re doing it. As little as walking for 20 minutes a day can count towards daily exercise. If you find it boring; walk with friends, listen to your favorite music, or pick a destination you want to walk to and enjoy a coffee when you get there?
Rewarding yourself at the end of exercises is a great way to self-motivate and reach your goals!
At some point every day, you will be walking, so try to add some more time and distance while you’re doing it. As little as walking for 20 minutes a day can count towards daily exercise. If you find it boring; walk with friends, listen to your favorite music, or pick a destination you want to walk to and enjoy a coffee when you get there?
Rewarding yourself at the end of exercises is a great way to self-motivate and reach your goals!
Taking The Stairs
Again, another one I’m sure you’ve heard before – but stairs are one of the easiest ways to fit more activity into your day. Everyone knows how tough the can be stairs– that’s why a group of geniuses invented elevators and escalators. But walking up the stairs is great for you. Stair force you to use your body weight to make your way up them, and you engage every muscle in your legs while using the stairs too.
So next time you have the option between taking the elevator or the stairs – stop, think about it, and take the stairs instead. I can assure you; you’ll begin to feel more energetic, boost your immune system, and even lower your risk of cardiovascular diseases.
So next time you have the option between taking the elevator or the stairs – stop, think about it, and take the stairs instead. I can assure you; you’ll begin to feel more energetic, boost your immune system, and even lower your risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Cleaning
Have you ever noticed after scrubbing a floor or cleaning the bathroom that you find yourself feeling tired and a bit hot? That’s because cleaning the house, believe it or not, is a great workout and can be a decent calorie burner, especially if it’s a household chore where you’re constantly engaged.
Things like cleaning windows, cleaning the bathroom, the kitchen head to toe, and running the vacuum around will keep your heart rate up.
So now there’s a reason to do your chores more often.
Things like cleaning windows, cleaning the bathroom, the kitchen head to toe, and running the vacuum around will keep your heart rate up.
So now there’s a reason to do your chores more often.
Shopping
Who doesn't love a little retail therapy?
Whether you’re buying the weekly groceries, or hunting down the perfect new pair of shoes, shopping means walking, and walking burns calories – up to 200 per hour if you’re walking at a good pace.
Take the stairs instead of the escalator, park your car further away so you can get more steps in, take the longer walk around the stores– there’s plenty of easy and realistic ways to get a good workout in from going to the store.
Whether you’re buying the weekly groceries, or hunting down the perfect new pair of shoes, shopping means walking, and walking burns calories – up to 200 per hour if you’re walking at a good pace.
Take the stairs instead of the escalator, park your car further away so you can get more steps in, take the longer walk around the stores– there’s plenty of easy and realistic ways to get a good workout in from going to the store.
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