Thrifty Ways to Stay in Shape and Baby Your Budget
By Sandy Schroeder
Most of us want to be in better shape than we are. We want to be stronger, quicker and slimmer, and accomplish everything before breakfast! When work and family swallow up tons of time, it’s tempting to pay gym fees to keep the workouts going, but there are other solutions.
DumbLittleMan suggests some simple and reasonable ways to get fit.
Hang Out with Active Friends
Catch up with friends who bike, hike, run, ski or play basketball or golf. Staying active is always easier when you have active friends that keep you in the loop. You can enlist them to be workout buddies to walk or run daily too.
Walk 10,000 Steps a day
Walk whenever you can, at home, and at work. Use a physical tracker or pedometer to hit your goals. Make walking 30 minutes a day a priority and add short walks wherever you can, before breakfast, after lunch or with your family after dinner.
Match Food to Fitness
To burn fat and build muscle, eat a balanced diet. Eat protein to build muscles, fruits and veggies for fiber, vitamins and minerals, and healthy fats like avocados to boost fat loss. Stay hydrated with ample water. The better your diet is, the more energy you will have to keep moving.
Make Home Tasks Work for You
Burn some calories and build some muscles while you vacuum, mop, trim the bushes, clean out the garage or wash windows. Set aside 20 minutes a day to knock off a cleaning task at home.
Create a Gym at Home
A yoga mat, jump rope, resistance bands and weights can help you squeeze in some fitness time whenever it works for you. Develop a strength and stretching routine that suits you. When the weather changes, consider setting up a rowing machine or treadmill in the garage.
Pick Up Sports in Your Neighborhood
More and more people are finding local volleyball, soccer and basketball teams and pick-up games are available in their community. Keep it casual or sign up for a local team.
Be an Active Volunteer
Lend a hand in your community choosing causes that will keep you moving. Find groups who are helping to dig community gardens, clean parks or create new biking or hiking trails.
Whatever steps you take to stay active on a budget, be sure to check in with your doctor first for approval of new exercises. Count on your doctor and your chiropractor for good workout tips.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lincoln, Nebr.