Nowadays, a lot of work is done at a desk. People are, in general, less active than ever, and that is a problem!
We all have to get up and move more throughout our days. A lack of movement can lead to weight gain, disease, and lower quality of life.
If you’re looking to add some movement but can’t seem to find the time, give these 5 options a try!
Take the stairs
We’ve all seen this one before, but it’s actually good advice. Opting for the stairs over the elevator or escalator is a great way to burn some extra calories.
There’s a reason you can find “stair stepper” machines in a gym. Taking the stairs is a great way to get your heart rate elevated, and it’s a relatively low-impact form of cardio that also builds the muscle in your legs and core.
Take walking breaks
If you have a job that requires you staying seated for much of the day, adding a walking break is a great way to cut through the monotony. Try walking, ideally outside, for 10 minutes a few times per day.
On top of the calorie-burning and muscle-building effects of walking, your mind loves it. A lot of research has shown that walking can increase productivity, creativity, and happiness.
Schedule movement
Time flies, especially when you’re busy. That’s why it can be a good idea to have a scheduled time to move.
Maybe 1 hour before lunch and 1 hour before you’re done for the day, you go for a 15-minute walk. Another great way is to do some kind of movement for 1 minute every hour, on the hour. It can be anything from push-ups to jumping jacks to yoga.
Stretch during TV time
We all love our downtime, and turning on the TV and turning off the mind is how many of us choose to unwind every day. There’s no problem with that, but you can add some light movement to it!
While you’re winding down at night, try to incorporate some light stretching as you watch. Touch your toes, stretch your back, and get out the stiffness of the day. You don’t even have to work up a sweat (unless you want to)!
Start your day with it
One great way to make sure you’re moving enough throughout the day is to get it done early. Starting your day with some kind of movement – whether it’s going for a walk, stretching, or something else—gets you off on the right foot.
You’ll be surprised at how much more energy you have if you begin your days with some movement. Your mood looks good, muscles and joints are loose, and metabolism gets a jumpstart. You don’t have to go all-out first, but try to add some movement to the mornings.
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