Short of Time? Find Alternative Ways to Exercise
By Donna Stark
Exercise, exercise, exercise! Ugh! Don't you wish you could just say, "I know, already!"? In fact, we all know. We hear it all the time, but that doesn't make the demands in our life go away, does it? Maybe there are days when we simply can't make it to the gym. Maybe there are weeks when running late every morning is our only form of cardio. And if kids and dogs, or parents that live with us, are in the picture as well? Then you know that maybe it's just a little too difficult to exercise at home as well. So what can be done when time is short and the conditions aren't perfect?
Fitting Exercise Into Your Day
Most doctors and fitness experts recommend working out every day, but many people either don't have, or have trouble finding, a block of time to do so, even if that block they are aiming for is only 30 minutes long. The important thing to remember is to not give up. Shoot for a daily workout, but if your day swallows up the majority of your free time, then shoot for something else. Here are some simple suggestions on how to work exercise into your day when time is in short supply.
- Before you leave for your morning commute, take a brisk 5-minute power walk up the street and back
- Try to add as many steps and walk as much as you can during the day
- Avoid anything "mechanical" such as elevators, moving walkways, and escalators
- Put your phone away, cut your lunch break in half, and go for a walk during the last half
- Add some lunges, squats, or jumping jacks while cleaning the house or watching television
- Stop sitting in your car and walk the block while you wait for your child to finish a music or dance lesson
- Walk or jog a few laps around the soccer field while your child is at practice
- After dinner, grab your family and head outside to the local park for some physical activity
- Take your dog for a walk, and for even more physical activity, bring a Frisbee or tennis ball too
They Add Up
All of those stolen moments can certainly add up to a day full of motion, so just when you think you can't fit any exercise in, think again. Breaking exercise into small amounts on your overscheduled days may be just what you need until you can get back on track in the days ahead. But just remember, this isn't meant to be a replacement for your normal fitness routine. You will still need to exercise, exercise, exercise!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in San Marcos, Calif.