Working out doesn’t have to take hours every day. You can get a good workout by walking five minutes now, three minutes in an hour and ten minutes in a couple of hours. Every step adds up. Here’s how to work in more exercise while going about your daily routine.
First, buy a pedometer and keep track of how many steps you take per day. Try to get at least 10,000 steps per day.
Take the Stairs Instead of the Elevator
Don’t stand around waiting for the elevator to arrive. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. They’re never crowded. Depending on how fast you walk, you can get at least five to ten minutes of walking up the stairs. Then, get a few more minutes of exercising by walking back down again.
Some apartment dwellers use the stairs as a workout when they don’t have time to get to the gym. Climbing up and down stairs gives you a good workout. Why go to the gym to use the Stair Master if you have your own stairs at home?
Avoid the Drive-Through Windows
When you stop for a cup of coffee or lunch, don’t use the drive-through windows. Instead, park your car, walk into the restaurant and order face to face with the counter person. This will allow you to squeeze in a few more steps per day.
You may also save time. Most people opt for the drive-through, claiming they don’t have time to go ito the counter and order in person. However, drive-through lines tend to be long. You actually waste more time waiting in line at the drive-through than you would if you had gone into the restaurant in person.
When you park, look for the farthest spot possible. This will give you even more steps to walk and will free up a close space for someone who really needs it such as an older person or someone with disabilities.
Walk a Dog
Dogs can help you fit fitness into your day. Dogs need at least 45 minutes of exercise per day. This can be done with several short walks or a few, longer walks.
Your dog will get a good workout, and so will you. both of you will become healthier and get in shape together.
Don’t let bad weather stop you. Your dog still needs to be walked whether it’s raining, snowing or freezing outside. Bundle up if you need to or grab an umbrella but keep walking your dog daily.
Look For Any Excuse to Walk
When you are at work, walk down the hall to talk to a supervisor or co-worker instead of calling, e-mailing or sending a text to them. Walk around outside for a few minutes during your lunch hour. Invite a co-worker or two and walk together. If it rains, grab an umbrella and keep walking.
When you’re at home, walk around your living room when you watch TV instead of sitting on the couch. Walk around your house when you’re talking on the phone. Be careful not to bump into any furniture.
If you live less than a mile from a grocery store, try walking there if you don’t have a lot of items to pick up. Walk to as many errands as you can. Walk a few blocks to the nearest mail box to mail a bill instead of leaving it in your mail box for the mailman to pick up the next day.
Keep on walking as much as you can and watch the pounds start to come off. You’ll also stop wasting time at the drive-through window and get your coffee quicker.
This article was based on one I published on Wikinut
