With busy schedules and tons of tasks to complete, finding the time to exercise can be difficult. As a matter of fact, 1.4 billion adults do not get adequate exercise as reported by the WHO.¹ Subsequently, many people suffer from inactivity-related problems like obesity and heart disease.
Fortunately, you can combat inactivity by engaging in simple activities that get you to move more every day. And the best part is that these activities can keep you healthy as long as you keep moving. Read on for simple ways to stay active every day.
Move More Every Day Using the Following Ways
The human body should be kept active to attain optimum health. While you may not get time to schedule exercise sessions, you can stay fit by moving more throughout the day. Here are five ways you can move more.
Use Your Commute Time to Walk
Walking is the best form of exercise since it is comfortable and does not put a strain on your body. Walking more can help you stay fit and even burn calories if you walk briskly and regularly. Taking advantage of your commuting time is a great way to add this movement to your life.
If you use public means to get to work, alight a few meters away from your destination and walk all the way. On the other hand, if you drive, park your car some distance away and walk the rest of the way. However, ensure you park in a safe neighborhood.
Ditch the Elevator and Take the Stairs
Although taking the elevator is convenient, it does nothing to benefit your health. While taking the stairs is quicker, taking the stairs improves your health. Better yet, the benefits you get from stair climbing can last for years to come.
Here are some reasons why you should take the stairs
- It releases endorphins which help to combat stress
- Strengthens the legs leading to healthier joints, muscles, and bones
- Benefits your cardiovascular health by getting our heart to beat faster
- Can help you reach your floor faster than taking the elevator. Mostly, you have to wait for the elevator to come not to mention the countless times it will stop before you reach your floor
- It is the easiest way to avoid a sedentary lifestyle since the stairs are right in front of you
Get a Dog
In addition to the fun that you get from owning a dog, you also improve your health. A 2019 study reports that dog owners are four times more likely to meet their physical activity needs than people without dogs.²
Having a furry friend will increase your physical activity. By taking your dog on a walk, you get to walk briskly for longer hence increasing the quality of your movement. Besides, playing games like fetch with your pet will also get you to move more.
Do More Household Chores
Doing your housework is another effective way to keep moving. While most people consider house chores as repetitive and boring, housework is equally beneficial as working out in the gym. They help move your muscles and strengthen them.
Activities like mopping the floor, vacuuming, ironing, and fetching groceries are strenuous. Hence, they can help you burn calories and boost your fitness level. To make housework fun, put on some music and dance to it as you clean.
Walk While Answering Your Calls
Take advantage of phone talk times as an opportunity to break long sitting hours. Stand up and talk on the phone as you walk around. For example, make long phone calls like catching up with family members a time to walk.
This is an effortless way to add more movement to your life as you may not even realize you are walking.
Boost Your Physical Fitness Using the Above Ways to Move More Everyday
Everyday responsibilities can rob you of an opportunity to exercise. Fortunately, you can get the benefits of exercise by moving more. Taking the stairs, alighting earlier, getting a dog, doing housework, and walking while on the phone will help you to move more.
Other effortless ways to improve your physical fitness include knee & foot massage and facial relaxation.
Links to Sources Used
- Many people don’t get sufficient exercise https://globalsportmatters.com/health/2018/10/30/over-1-in-4-people-across-the-world-dont-get-enough-exercise-study-says/
- Association between dog ownership and physical activity among dog owners https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-41254-6?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=commission_junction&utm_campaign=CONR_PF018_ECOM_GL_PHSS_ALWYS_PRODUCT&utm_content=productdatafeed&utm_term=PID100024933&CJEVENT=1e291f8da37211ec836304f50a18050c