Small Steps for Getting More Daily Exercise

Routine exercise is one of the most fundamental positive things a person can do for his or her health. Not only does regular exercise help prevent unwanted weight gain, it also improves heart and vascular health, strengthens and maintains bones, and even helps improve sleep and mood. However, despite the many benefits of regular exercise many Americans often have trouble fitting exercise into their already hectic schedules. Fortunately, figurative as well as literal small steps can add up to major health benefits. Consider incorporating these small steps into your daily life to reap the rewards that come with more exercise.

At Home

Many people have developed a very efficient routine for their home lives that have intentionally or unintentionally cut out all extra physical exertion. This may be tempting but it isn’t necessarily healthy. Consider shaking up your routine by doing the following:

• Do more housework more often.
• Consider listening to invigorating music while cleaning.
• Cook and cleanup more instead of going out to eat or having take out.
• Get up and walk around the room or tidy up while talking on the phone.
• Take frequent breaks from the computer or television.
• Play with your kids outdoors.
• Take your dog for more and/or longer walks.
• Do your own yardwork, landscaping, and gardening.
• Wash your car by hand.

At Work

Working adults spend about a third or more of their time during the week at work. This means that it is essential to look for creative ways to incorporate more physical activity into your workday. Far from being a productivity killer, more exercise can help you fight stress, stay focused, and get more done.

• Trade in your traditional sit-down desk for a standing desk.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Instead of sending an email or text, get up and walk to your coworker’s desk or office.
• Consider implementing standing meetings.
• Take short breaks to stretch and rest your eyes.
• Go for a walk on your lunch break.
• Park further away from the front door.
• Walk or cycle to work if you live close enough.

At Play

Everyone needs time to relax and recharge. However, there are lots of fun activities that also involve some exercise. The best is you’ll probably be having so much fun you won’t even notice the extra exertion. Consider adding these fun activities to your leisure life.

• Take a dance class.
• Go out to a dance club.
• Go hiking or just for casual walks with friends instead of going to dinner or having coffee.
• Round up some friends for a game of basketball or other sport of your choice.
• Go golfing, bowling, or even take up tennis.
• Get together an exercise group to help you stay motivated.
• Go on walking tours while on vacation.
• Visit a park.
• Read or watch TV while on a treadmill or stationary bike.

Out and About

Everyone has errands and social obligations that they must perform; however, these activities don’t have to eat up all your free time. Consider multitasking by getting some extra exercise in while you are out and about.

• If you only have few items consider carrying them by hand instead of getting a cart.
• Pick up litter, return stray carts to the designated area, and do other good deeds that also get you moving.
• Volunteer for projects at your child’s school, at church, or for charitable organizations.
• Help elderly or sick neighbors, family, and friends with projects they can’t tackle by themselves.

Many of these activities may seem like a lot of work at first, but in most cases once you get used to performing them on a regular basis they’ll become an easy, even fun part of your routine. Remember to try to get the whole family and others you care about involved in the process so that they too can reap the rewards of healthier lifestyle and support each other. As always if you suffer an accident or other health crisis make sure to get immediate medical attention from an emergency center like Golden Triangle Emergency Center.