Sometimes, we have trouble motivating ourselves to stay active, yet one of the best ways to fight a sedentary lifestyle is to simply plan activity throughout your day. Here's some ideas you can try to add to your day-to-day activities.
Walking to Get the Mail
It's easy to drive down to the mailbox, but taking the time to walk to the mailbox everyday can help benefit your health and fitness. Or, if you have a post office box, try parking out farther and walking in to get your mail.Toe Raises While Brushing Teeth
Whether you're getting ready for your day or getting ready for bed, try doing toe raises while at the sink. You can use the counter to help keep your balance as you workout your calves. You can also try this when you hand-wash dishes.Get Up Off the Couch
When you are watching TV, get up during commercials or set a timer to prompt you to get up at least once an hour. You can do squats, stretch, take out the dog, or walk in place or around the couches. You can even try dancing to the music of commercials, which may give you an ab workout from laughing! :)Take Breaks at Work
In this Age of Information, many of us have desk jobs. When you're having a busy, stressful day, it's easy to forget to get up to take breaks. Research shows that we need to get up at least once per hour to walk around for five minutes. Walking around every hour helps save the lining of your arteries and vessels in your legs, which helps increase blood flow. For more tips on how to reduce pain related to sitting at workstations, read our blog "Workstation Tips."Remember, the most important aspect when trying to become more active is to take small steps. Choose one lifestyle change until it becomes a habit. Then, you can add another lifestyle change or additional exercise. As long as you aren't experiencing pain, any physical activity counts!
