Have you ever used work as a get-out-of-jail-free card when it comes to exercise? Us too. Only a gazillion times.
And not just in vain either.
Sometimes we’re relieved about that urgent email that just came through.
Because the idea of doing a spin class alongside Bob from Accounts in the work gym is frankly terrifying.
And so it is.
Our good intentions vs. the demands of daily life.
The trick to breaking the cycle, and improving your overall health and wellbeing, is to find easy and affordable ways to keep active that don’t make you immediately rummage around for an excuse.
One of the easiest things you can do to get yourself moving is invest in a pedometer to track your steps. It becomes really addictive, especially when you get your friends or partner involved too. Winner of the week buys dinner!
Another easy way to get motivated is to switch up how you get to work. If you need to drive in, that’s fine. Just look for a carpark that’s an extra block or two away from the office. That way you’re still getting a walk in. Same goes for the bus or tram, if you don’t fancy ditching it all together, hop off a few stops earlier and walk the extra distance. You could also try cycling to work using a bike share scheme to keep costs down.
How many times have you gotten to work and waited in the lift queue for 10 minutes? Take the stairs instead. You’ll avoid all those awkward early-morning lift encounters and get to see your fitness levels improve every day. Not bad for a simple switch.
Most of us get glued to our screens and don’t move all day. It’s not Netflix though so try setting an alarm on your phone to remind you to get up, stretch and move around every hour. It’ll help your productivity levels and stop you from feeling sluggish. Drinking water is a good self-timer for movement – you often either need to get up and refill your glass or bottle or go to the bathroom so if you don’t drink a lot of H2O now, start!
If you’re motivated enough for a lunchtime workout lots of gyms and studios offer a range of 30- or 45-minute classes (just check the cancellation policy first in case something comes up last-minute). The easiest way to squeeze in a little lunchtime activity is to grab a work colleague and go for a walk – and gossip – around the block. Got a meeting over lunch? Ask if your colleague minds if you walk and talk. You can grab coffee to-go beforehand.
Catching up with friends outside of work? Why not have a go at a parkrun. Despite the name, you don’t have to be a runner to take part and can simply walk the 5km round the parkland. Best of all it’s free!
Brought to you by the #FindYourMotivation campaign by VicHealth
For more information, head to vichealth.vic.gov.au/findyourmotivation
