As the temperature starts to drop, it gets easy to skimp on the everyday activities that normally keep you in shape. Going to the gym isn’t for everyone, so here are a few tips to easily work exercise into your day-to-day routine.
In the office:
Take the stairs. This can provide great cardio throughout the day while avoiding overexposure to terrible elevator music. It’s a win-win!
Ditch the chair. There is a growing trend to replace office chairs with exercise balls to help strengthen the core and increase balance while working. Or you could eliminate sitting altogether by getting a taller desk or a standing work station. Recent research has shown many benefits to standing as opposed to sitting.
Park far away from the building. Sure, it’s getting chilly outside, but if you’re already bundled up you might as well add a few extra steps to your routine by parking on the far end of the lot. This will also help you avoid driving around in circles trying to find the closest parking spot.
Plank! Okay, it doesn’t have to be a plank. It can be any type of exercise. Make a habit of doing one small set of an exercise a couple times throughout the day. This will keep you consistently active and energized.
At home:
Commercial break fitness. When you’re catching up on your evening TV line-up, take advantage of the commercial breaks. Do one set of an exercise during every break. If you are binge-watching your favorite streaming show, take a 15-minute break to do something active between episodes. If your show is longer than 30 minutes, add an extra 15 minutes of exercise for every half hour more you watch.
Play with the kids. Odds are that as soon as it’s too cool outside to regularly send the kids outdoors to blow off steam, they will be bouncing off the walls. Engage your kids in some healthy activities in the house, such as hide and seek, spontaneous jumping jack competitions or even dance marathons. They will be all tuckered out before you know it!