15 Lazy Ways to Start Moving More Each Day
We all know exercise is important for our health. Yet, when life takes over and gets busy, it often ends up at the bottom of our to-do list and severely neglected.
Isn’t there an easy button for daily exercise that’ll help us feel great? Many great hacks can help us get there and bid farewell to the daunting notion of exercise!
Enhancing your well-being and maintaining an active lifestyle doesn’t necessitate spending endless hours at the gym or enduring grueling workouts. Let’s dive into 15 intelligent strategies designed to infuse fun and movement into your daily routine, making the pursuit of better health more achievable and enjoyable than you might have initially imagined.
1. Morning Stretches
Stretching is a great way to start the day by getting blood moving and boosting energy levels first thing in the morning. And it doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Begin your day on the right foot with a few simple morning stretches. For example, incorporating side bends, arm circles, and toe touches into your morning routine will enhance flexibility and set a positive tone for the rest of your day. It’s a quick and effective way to prioritize your well-being from the moment you wake up.
2. Hourly Jumping Jacks
Maintaining an active lifestyle just got easier! You can opt for 25 jumping jacks at the start of every hour to stay energized and break up long periods of sitting. Set alarms on your phone or smartwatch as a reminder to keep yourself accountable.Â
Focusing on just 25 jumping jacks at a time makes daily exercise less daunting. Plus, the regular burst of blood flow will do wonders for staying productive throughout the day.
3. Commute on Foot
Walking has many health benefits, including lower stress, better weight management, and a stronger immune system. Adding a walk into your daily routine is a great way to tap into these.
Whether you’re now working from home or have a shorter commute, make the most of that extra time by taking a long walk or running errands in your neighborhood (if plausible). This simple adjustment adds more steps to your day and promotes overall well-being.
4. Stay Hydrated, Stay Active
Boost your daily activity levels effortlessly by keeping a glass of water on your desk, and make it a habit to refill it every time it runs dry. As a bonus, increased water intake benefits your health, but it also means more trips to the bathroom, giving you opportunities to stretch your legs and stay active throughout the day. A win-win!
5. Get Moving During Phone Calls
Rather than sit and chat, why not get up and move about?
You can take a walk around the house or office, jump on a treadmill or stationary bike, engage in bodyweight squats, or perform leg stretches. You can even carry around a few dumbbells with hands-free wireless earbuds or headphones. For an added challenge, try a wall sit to keep your muscles engaged while you converse.Â
6. Park Smart
Turn your errands into mini workouts with strategic parking choices. Opt for a spot in the back of the parking lot to add extra steps to your day. If you are in a parking structure, go to the top level to incorporate stair climbing into your routine.Â
To make it more challenging, try power walking or doing a few extra laps on the way in (just watch out for cars).
7. Binge-Watching Breaks
It’s time to make your TV time both entertaining and fitness-friendly! Take a break every 30 minutes or so during your binge-watching sessions.
Get up and march in place, jump around, climb up and down the stairs, or have a spontaneous dance party for five minutes. Alternatively, turn it into a family challenge – compete to see who can complete the most push-ups, sit-ups, or jumping jacks during each commercial break.
8. Play With Your Pets
Pets love your attention and are always on the move. They can be your furry little accountability partners.
Spend at least five minutes playing fetch with your dog or enticing your cat with their favorite toy for a chase around the house. Alternatively, take your furry friend on multiple quick walks around the neighborhood for an added health boost. (Happy pet, happy you!)
9. Type and Move
If you work from home, you might feel chained to your computer. Thankfully, you have the flexibility to tinker with your home office space with exercise equipment that you can multi-task with.
Get a treadmill desk or stationary bike and incorporate movement into your workday. Typing while walking or pedaling might seem unusual initially, but this clever hack lets you stay active while meeting deadlines.Â
10. Grocery Bag Fitness
Carrying as many bags as possible into your house at once after shopping is tempting. Why not add extra steps and try something different?
While unloading groceries, grab just one or two bags at a time, intentionally making multiple trips to and from your car. This simple change not only eases the strain on your back but also adds extra steps to your day, turning a routine task into a mini-workout.
11. Try Nature’s GymÂ
The health benefits of being outside are immense, thanks to the exposure to sunlight and fresh air.
To get moving outside, it might be time to find an outdoor hobby like gardening and hiking. These activities offer a chance to stay active and a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature. If you choose an activity you enjoy, it’ll be a win-win.
12. Takeout Transformation
We all love the convenience of drive-thru and curbside pickup, but here’s a simple twist to stay active. The next time you crave takeout, park your car (at the end of the parking lot or even a few blocks away) and walk inside to place your order. It’s an easy way to sneak in some exercise while still enjoying your favorite eats.
13. Groove Your Way to Joyful Movement
Dancing is such a great way to burn calories and have fun. While some people like structured dance classes for exercise, there’s nothing wrong with impromptu dance parties for a little added fun and effort.
Put on your favorite tunes and let loose, moving to the rhythm. Dancing is a fantastic way to inject energy into your day, elevate your mood, and increase your heart rate. So, whenever you need a pick-me-up, hit the dance floor. (Even in your living room.)Â
14. Stretch Before You Hit the Hay
Dedicate a few minutes to stretching before bedtime for an instant workout that promotes relaxation and flexibility. These gentle stretches can help alleviate tension, improve circulation, and prepare your body for a restful night’s sleep.
When you choose to stretch and take time away from screens before bedtime, the benefits are two-fold for encouraging good quality sleep habits that’ll help you wake up feeling rested.
15. Random Explosive Movements
Adding intentional bursts of movement can break up the monotony of the day and help you feel more energized.
Tie some explosive movements, such as jumping jacks or squats, after an activity you do frequently each day. For example, whenever you check your email or get off the toilet. It’s a great reminder and a way to get the blood pumping in little spurts all day.
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