10 Ways to Add Movement to Your Day
Do you feel sluggish, tired and low on energy? It might be because you're not getting enough activity throughout your day. Your body is not designed to be glued to a chair or a sofa. Your body is made to move!
Modern life has cut out the labor of growing our food, doing our chores and getting around. All these conveniences have led to a sedentary lifestyle; we sit more than we move. And you already know that an active lifestyle helps to prevent obesity and all the health problems that come with it. So, let's explore how to add some movement to your day.
Before you embark on a plan to cut your couch time, you might want to consider ‘why' you want to add more activity to your day. Having a goal improves the odds of your following through, what's yours: burn calories, greater flexibility, increase your balance, enhance digestion, strengthen your muscles, boost your brain power, quiet your mind, or decrease stress. Once you've clarified your why you're ready to get into action.
If you're one of the folks that struggle with exercise one of the ways to shift gears on this is to consider it movement. Change the framework and you'll be surprised how you can find time and opportunity to include some kind of activity in your day. Here are some simple ways to add movement to your day:
1. Take the stairs. Pass on the elevator or escalator and put those muscles through their paces. Take the stairs every chance you get.
2. Work out during TV commercials. Do a set of 15-20 planks, pushups, squats or lunges. Imagine if you broke up the average 5 hours of television viewing with sets of exercises. You're well on your way!
3. Sit on an exercise ball at your desk. It will strengthen your core, as you stabilize your movement, and you can also take breaks and do 20 crunches on the ball.
4. Spend 20 minutes on a rebounder. It stimulates all internal organs, moves the cerebral-spinal fluid, and does wonders for the intestines. It also stimulates the lymphatic system, helping to remove waste and toxins at the cellular level.
5. Ride on a swing. Taking the kids to the park? Join them on the swings, race them to see who can go highest.
6. Grow a garden. Yardwork is great because not only does it increase your physical activity, but it also gives you an excuse to be outside. Pulling weeds, mowing the lawn, trimming the hedge, and raking leaves are all very physically taxing and like cleaning, they use a range of muscle groups.
7. Walk every chance you get. Park your car away from the entrance of the store. Take a walk after dinner. Walk to the grocery star and buy groceries for one meal only. Make repeat trips.
8. Walk your dog. This is one of the best excuses to exercise. Your dog will love the opportunity to be out and about. You'll boost your fitness.
9. Take a dance break. Put on your favorite music and dance your cares away. Grab the kiddos and make it a family dance party. Experience the delight of moving your body rhythmically and unleashing your joy!
10. Stand up. Stand up when you're talking on the phone, get a standup desk, take small breaks from sitting throughout the day. Stand up more than you sit down.
Your body has a built in need for movement. It comes alive with it! Adding little bursts of activity throughout your day will not only nourish your body, it will clear your mind and impart a sense of well being. Let's move it!
PS Ready to move your body?
