Getting a great tip is an incredible thing. And in my opinion, savvy fitness tips that infuse confidence and know-how are the best kinds. Becoming fit isn’t about walking into a gym with a “hit-it-and-quit-it” approach; it takes much more than that. It’s about introducing and embracing lifestyle habits. Some of the fittest people I know have adopted lifestyle habits that would make even Jack LaLanne proud. Adding bits of exercise here and there sounds tiring, but it’s actually more practical — and more beneficial — than you think.
Many of us spend the majority of our day at work. Research says that having a desk job can shorten your lifespan (scary thought, right?). And while you may not be able to fit a treadmill inside your cubicle, you can still get in some quality fitness while on the clock.
For starters, walk as often as possible — park deep in the end zone of the parking lot instead of finding the closest spot, forego the elevator, and take the stairs if your office has an option to do so. Be creative. Occasionally swap that uncomfortable desk chair for a stability ball. And one of my personal favorite “on the job” fitness tips: Every 30 minutes take five and do 10. This means, every half hour, take five minutes to do a new activity. While your boss may question why you are doing squats or pushups in your office, he or she may be willing to overlook this especially because you’re not playing solitaire, again!
And when the work day is finished? Think outside the box. Traditional exercise routines may be comforting, but non-linear fitness is more fun. Toss the medicine ball, hit the heavy bag like Rocky Balboa or engage in some type of partner “drill.” When getting to the gym isn’t an option, bypass the snow thrower and use a shovel, take the dog for a walk or see how many pushups you can fit into a 30-second commercial break during your favorite show.
Trying to squeeze in time for exercise can be daunting and may even seem impossible for some. After all, many of us have deadlines to meet, commitments to keep and a laundry list of things that fall higher on our “to-do” lists than working out. The reality is there are many subtle ways to burn extra calories throughout the day. Ultimately, incorporating these modest additions to everyday life add up to big changes over time.
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