With today’s busier schedules, it can be challenging for many women to find time for exercise.
The good news is that incorporating more physical activity into your daily routine doesn’t necessarily require hours at the gym.
With a few small but sustainable changes to your lifestyle, you can boost your activity level and become fitter and healthier over a few months.
Here are ten realistic tips to help you increase your physical activity.
Start Your Day with a Morning Walk
Begin your day by taking a brisk walk around your neighborhood.
This simple habit not only gets your body moving but also energizes your mind for the day ahead.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of walking each morning to jumpstart your metabolism and improve your cardiovascular health.
To prevent injuries, make sure to buy socks and shoes that are specifically designed for physical activities.
Take Active Transportation
Whenever possible, walk or bike to work, the grocery store, or other nearby destinations.
Not only will this help you stay active, but it will also reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier environment.
Reserve your car for emergencies or trips that will take more than 15 minutes by foot or by bike.
Incorporate Walking Meetings
Sitting down for long periods in a car or at a desk can be almost as harmful as smoking.
If you have a lot of work meetings, suggest taking walking meetings with your colleagues rather than sitting in a conference room.
Walking and talking can stimulate out-of-the-box thinking while adding more physical activity to your day.
It’s also a great reason to explore your work campus, visit nearby parks, and do some productive socialization.
Make sure to notify your colleagues ahead of time so that they can wear more practical shoes.
Use Stairs Instead of Elevators
Ditch the elevator and take the stairs whenever possible.
Climbing stairs provides a great cardiovascular workout and engages multiple muscle groups.
Whether you’re at work, in a shopping mall, or at home, choose the stairs to incorporate more physical activity into your routine.
Break Up Sedentary Time
As mentioned earlier, long periods of sitting can be detrimental to your health.
Combat the negative effects by breaking up sedentary time.
Set reminders to stand up and move around every hour.
Also, consider taking short stretching breaks or walking around your office or home to keep your body active and prevent muscle stiffness.
You can also set up a standing desk so that less of your work day is spent sitting down.
Family Fitness Activities
Make physical activity a family affair by involving your loved ones.
Plan regular outings that involve active pursuits, such as hiking, cycling, or playing sports together.
These activities not only promote bonding but also help create lifelong healthy habits for everyone.
Incorporate Exercise into Screen Time
The next time you binge on your favorite shows, use it as an opportunity to burn a few calories.
Park your spin bike, treadmill, or yoga mat in front of your screen and keep your body active while you enjoy your shows.
It’s a simple way to make exercise more sustainable and mentally engaging.
Park Farther Away
Instead of picking the closest parking spots, purposely choose ones that are farther away from your destination.
This strategy not only adds more steps to your day but also greatly reduces the stress of finding a nearby spot.
Embrace the opportunity to walk a few extra steps and, soon enough, you’ll be enjoying the benefits of your increased physical activity.
Join a Group Fitness Class
While exercising solo works for a lot of people, most will also benefit from joining a group fitness class.
Whether it’s yoga, Zumba, kickboxing, or spinning, group classes offer a supportive and motivating environment in which to stay active.
Not only will you benefit from the guidance of instructors, but you’ll also meet like-minded individuals who can help keep you accountable to your fitness goals.
Dance and Move
Dancing provides an enjoyable way to keep active—and you don’t have to be all that great at it to reap the benefits.
Whether it’s dancing to your favorite tunes while doing household chores or joining a dance fitness class, dancing improves cardiovascular fitness, coordination, and overall mood.
The improvements in mood are critical, as they can encourage you to keep at it, which is ultimately a win for your long-term health.
Sustainable Changes for a Healthier Lifestyle
Luckily for everyone, incorporating more physical activity into your life doesn’t have to be overwhelming or time-consuming.
By implementing these ten realistic tips, you can gradually increase your activity level without impeding your productivity or drastically changing your routine.
By making a few small changes at a time, anyone can gradually build up to a more active and healthier lifestyle.
