By now we’ve all heard that exercise is important to maintain a general healthy lifestyle. But how much exercise do we really need? If you can only spend fifteen minutes on the treadmill does it still count? According to the American College of Sports Medicine we need thirty to sixty minutes of moderate exercise five days a week. That sounds like a lot and finding the time can be a challenge with all the other daily responsibilities, but it’s important to remember that it doesn’t need to be done all at once. We can break it down into multiple five to ten minute activity bursts.
Here are my top 5 tips to sneak exercise in throughout your busy day.
TAKE THE STAIRS.
Sounds simple, right? That’s because it is. While the elevator might hold some appeal in the morning or after a long day, by taking the stairs we can get some exercise and feel better at the start of the day or when heading home.
GIVE UP THE ‘BEST’ PARKING SPOT.
Driving around the parking lot looking for the best parking spot can be stressful and time consuming, why not park farther away from the entrance and put that extra time and energy into walking. The physical activity can help alleviate stress and burn some calories at the same time.
QUICK EXERCISE WHILE WAITING FOR THE MICROWAVE.
This is the perfect time to add in some simple moves like push ups or squats. You could even try to hold a plank while waiting for microwave to “ding.” You likely won’t have very much time so make up for it with a little extra intensity and try something that will give you a good challenge.
MAKE BETTER USE OF “TV TIME.”
Instead of heading straight for the kitchen during commercial breaks use this time to add in some interval training. Pick an exercise like burpees, skipping, or squats and try to complete as many reps as possible during the break. Try making a game of it; keep track of how many reps you complete and try to beat your score next time.
SNEAK IN A LUNCH BREAK WORKOUT.
If you can spare the time why not schedule a workout during your lunch break. There are lots of options available to sneak in a lunchtime workout. Try a half hour class at your local gym or make an appointment with your personal trainer. Add in travel time to get there and back, plus a quick shower and you’ll be back at your desk in sixty minutes tops.
There you have it, my top 5 tips for sneaking exercise into your daily life. While it may not seem like much, remember, any activity is better than no activity and coupled with a healthy diet you will be on the fast track to living a healthier lifestyle.
Written by David Skelly CPT, PES.
ACSM Personal Trainer
ITEC Sports Therapist
Elite Personal Training Studio