Juggling work, kids, me-time and running errands all in one day can become a daunting task. This sometimes leaves you feeling exhausted and stressed out. You know a great way to combat this stress? Exercising! Getting your body up, out and moving is the perfect way for you to de-stress and unwind.
Yeah, yeah working out sounds like a great idea... if only you had the time, right? Well, in between being your kids' personal taxi, working at the office and finally brushing your hair for the first time all day at 7 p.m., you CAN find ways to fit in a little exercise during your day! While it may seem impossible, there are several different ways your body can get the physical activity it needs, even while completing some of your important tasks you've got to get done.
While we've already identified that exercising is good for relieving stress, regular workouts offer many other great benefits as well. Exercising helps you maintain or achieve your goal weight, get a better night's rest and it gives you that extra boost of energy you need to get a lot done on a busy day.
If you want to feel better about your health, adding regular physical activity to your lifestyle may be just what the doctor ordered! Below are eight tips for you to sneak in additional physical activity throughout your day, even if you often feel "too busy" to find the time.
8 Tips to Get More Time Each Day for Working Out
1. Turn Your Travel Time into A Workout: Whether you're on your way to picking up the kids, or stopping by the neighborhood coffee shop, try swapping out your car for your legs! Turning your commute into your own little workout can be the first way to sneak in some extra exercise during your day.
2. Multitask: Don't feel guilty about hopping on that treadmill! While walking on the treadmill can be a little boring, try using this time to catch up on a good read, or drafting a work email. Just because you're getting some exercise, doesn't mean you can't be a little productive as well!
3. Get the Family Involved: Take your kids with you on a walk or jog around the neighborhood. Physical activity is good for people of all ages and you can turn everyday together time into a workout!
4. Plan an Active Date with Your Partner: Your significant other won't see it coming when you suggest a friendly game of bowling, a bike-ride or volleyball instead of your classic dinner and movie date night. This is great way to keep your relationship spontaneous while secretly sneaking in some exercise!
5. Schedule Ahead: If you have the time early in the morning before work or before the kids wake up, try using this time to work out! Set an alarm and get your day started off on the right foot with some exercise.
6. Lunch Breaks Call for Fitness not Food: Instead of taking your hour-long lunch break at the table, try using this time to walk the stairs or stroll around the block. You can still eat during this time, but getting your body moving during this break will keep you feeling more motivated and energized.
7. Forget the Elevators: Anytime you find yourself looking to go up floors, simply use the stairs rather than riding idly in an elevator or escalator. This simple swap will get your body moving in the right direction.
8. Incorporate Strength-Building into your Routine: Push-ups and sit-ups are easy to do just about anywhere, anytime, and it doesn't take long to realize major benefits and to build up strength. Find ways to incorporate strength-building exercises into your weekly routine and you'll maintain your muscle mass and burn more calories.
These eight tips mentioned above are great for transforming a sedentary lifestyle into a physically active and productive one! And as always, it is generally a good idea to talk with your doctor if you are starting a new exercise routine after having been sedentary for a long period of time. Some doctors also provide helpful information about weight loss and exercise.
Even though we all have busy lives filled with priorities and tasks, there are ways to find those extra minutes for a little workout. These moments of exercise don't always have to be filled with walking however. When you've got the time, try mixing up your workouts to include some light strength training and flexibility exercises like yoga. There are so many ways to get in a great workout that you have lots of options to choose from. And keep in mind that even adding a few minutes of physical activity into your busy day can make a real difference in your health and well-being.
Dr. Stacie L. Grossfeld is a board certified Orthopaedic Surgeon practicing in Louisville, Kentucky. She graduated from the University of Louisville School of Medicine, and completed a fellowship in Sports Medicine at the Fowler-Kennedy Sports Medicine Center. Dr. Grossfeld currently works as a louisville orthopedic surgeon in private practice at Orthopaedic Specialists. Dr. Grossfeld also serves as a clinical instructor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Louisville. Her special interests are in knee and shoulder reconstruction and sports medicine. To learn more about her medical practice, check out http://www.louisvillebones.com.
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