Are you one of those people who have no time to exercise? People with busy lifestyles, especially working moms, can have trouble finding time to fit regular exercise into their lives.
The good news is you don’t have to commit to hour-long workouts at the gym to achieve your weight loss goals. Just integrating a small amount of exercise into your everyday routine is one of the easiest ways to get the weight off, and keep it off. All you need is to keep active for two-and-a-half hours every week and you’ll be on your way to a healthier lifestyle.
Here are 10 simple ways to keep active at work or at home.
1. Cycle to work
Cycling is one of the easiest ways to fit exercise into your daily routine. Ride your bike to work, school or the shops and you will be surprised how much exercise you will fit in without even trying.
2. Walk more
Take the stairs instead of the lift, get off the bus one step earlier, or go for a walk in your lunch break. All these small changes can benefit your health.
3. Get your friends and family involved
Instead of meeting your mate for a coffee, meet for a walk or a cycle around the park. Veto the Friday night pub visit for a friendly game of squash or tennis instead.
4. Play with the kids
If your child is a toddler, use your pushchair as added resistance during a walk in the park. If they are a bit older, take them for a cycle, or a run, or take the ball to the park for a kick around. It’s a great way to get a work out and spend quality time with the family at the same time.
5. Take the dog for a run
If you don’t have kids, you can still get a workout with the pets. Taking the dog for a walk, or a run, after dinner is a fun and relaxing source of exercise.
6. Exercise with your TV on
Next time you are watching your favourite program, try jogging on the spot, or working through a floor routine of crunches and push-ups. You could even try two minute high-intensity exercises during the ad breaks. If you own Nintendo Wii or an X Box Kinect, you could try a few games to get off the couch. Not only will you relax but you will be getting fit in the process.
7. Take up a sport
If you find going to the gym a chore, why not take up a sport that is both fun and challenging. Swimming, running, golf, football, even playing with the Frisbee – these are all fun activities you can commit to and get the exercise you need at the same time. If these are too fast-paced for you, try a yoga or pilates class.
8. Outdoor chores
Mow your lawn, do some weeding, or take up gardening – it’s a simple way to stay fit! Pulling out the weeds and washing the car by hand are great workouts that have nothing to do with treadmills, elliptical trainers or lifting weights.
9. Exercise before work
Working out in the morning can help give you more energy throughout the day. Set the alarm just 30 minutes early and go for a walk or follow an exercise DVD.
10. Do the housework
Doing household chores the old-fashioned way, such as mopping the floor, scrubbing the bathroom and cleaning the windows, will help you to melt kilos.
So, no more excuses and get your body moving now!
Your say: What are your tips about exercise for a busy lifestyle?
