Finding Ways to Exercise More

By Donna Stark 

It's always a good idea to look for ways to add more steps into your daily routine, but it can be even better if you look for ideas that actually add more fitness! And by fitness, I mean things that are a little more challenging than those extra steps you are adding or things that may leave you huffing and puffing a bit more. Now, don't drive yourself crazy trying to figure out what to do. There are plenty of opportunities around! Take a look at a few suggestions that are sure to get you started on the right foot.

Join In

Are you making plans to take your children to the park, community pool, or indoor rock-climbing facility? If so, be sure to join them! Instead of heading straight to the benches where the rest of the parents sit, surprise your kids by including yourself in on the fun! In addition to adding more physical activity to your days, this is a great way to bond with your children!

Volunteer

If you love to volunteer but are tired of stuffing envelopes and collecting tickets behind a desk, start looking for opportunities that will keep you on your feet and in constant motion! Historical tour guides, dog walkers, elementary school aides, and community cleaning crews are just a few examples of volunteer positions that encourage constant physical activity.

Add Fitness Elements

You don't need to save the squats, lunges, and weightlifting for the gym ... incorporate them into your daily routine! How? Well, you can do your squats while you brush your teeth, you can throw in some extra lunges as you walk from room to room, and you can substitute those weights at the gym with your toddler, the canned goods in your pantry, or maybe even the quart of milk in your refrigerator. Start looking at the objects around your house for more inspiration. There is plenty to be found.

Don't Hire Out

It's definitely a treat to hire someone to help around the house and it's a great way to use that time for other things, but doing the work yourself can take your overall fitness to an entirely different level! Think of all the extra workouts you will get by doing your own yard work, house cleaning, and even grocery shopping. It can add up to a lot! But don't worry! This doesn't mean you have to stop using those services completely. Just schedule them to come every other week while you pick up the slack!

Finding Ways to Exercise More

Once you start looking for ways to add exercise elements into your days, you won't be able to stop finding them! And who knows? You may even enjoy this new, active lifestyle of yours!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sunset Hills, Mo.