Most of us live busy lives these days and for all too many of us
exercise often takes a back seat to everything else that we have going
on. However, at a time when most of us are engaging in less and less
physical activity and eating more and more prepared convenience foods,
fitting some exercise into our daily schedule is becoming increasingly
important. So, if you find yourself falling into this category then
here are five simple ideas for fitting a little exercise into your
working day.
1. Take a packed lunch with you to work. Most of us nowadays pop out
for lunch, often with some of our co-workers, and often choose less
than healthy food options which we wash down with a large cup of coffee
or two. Instead take your packed lunch out for a walk (or better still
a run) and, when you get tired, stop off to eat.
2. Try 'working out' instead of 'vegging out'. At the end of most
working days there are usually a couple of programs on the television
that I like to catch to help me unwind and relax. However, instead of
stretching out on the couch (probably with a packet of biscuits and a
cup of coffee) try doing some exercise and watching the television at
the same time. This can be as simple as doing some stretching
exercises, sit ups or light weight lifting or, if you are really
serious about your exercise, why not set up a small home gym in the
house and watch your favorite program while using an exercise bike or a
treadmill.
3. Try to reduce the number of coffee breaks you have during the day.
It is surprising just how coffee breaks can eat into the day and if you
make a note of how long you spend on coffee breaks in an average day
you will probably be amazed at just how much time they all add up to.
One idea might be to simply roll these breaks up into just a couple of
longer breaks each day and use this time to take some exercise, even if
it is just walking around your office building or climbing a few
flights of stairs. You will also find that the endorphins which your
body produces as a result of even a little bit of exercise will do more
to stimulate you that your cup of coffee!
4. Make exercise part of your social life. We all like to get out with
our friends and chew over the problems of the world but, instead of
sitting around in your local bar or coffee shop to do so, why not find
a more challenging venue and combine your socializing with a game of
badminton, squash or even bowling.
5. Try a little housework. Okay, I can hear a lot of you throwing up
your hands in horror but many forms of housework such as cleaning the
kitchen, washing down the bathroom, mowing the lawn (not with your
favorite ride-on lawn mower), and digging over the vegetable patch are
all great forms of exercise. They don't do your house any harm either.
These are just a few simple ideas and I am sure that you can come up
with many more of your own. It really doesn't matter what you do, as
long as you fit some exercise into your daily routine. And remember, if
you haven't done any exercise for a while, take it slow at first and
build yourself up gradually.
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