You don’t have to be a bodybuilder to add exercise to your daily routine. It’s well-known that physical activity helps with weight loss and brain health, strengthens bones, and fights off various diseases. Gym culture, and the general jock stereotype—has established some irritating myths about getting into shape. There is, for instance, the tendency to push yourself as far as you can go. Even if you’re the type to never find yourself in a gym, it doesn’t require a physical trainer to know that even walking counts as exercise.
The key is to acquire the minimum 150 minutes of moderate-intense physical activity recommended per week, and there are simple ways to work toward that goal, even from your desk at the office. Here are some easy ways to add exercise to everything.
Fidgeting and Deskercise
A new study in The New York Times has found that fidgeting (or rather the micro movements someone makes with their body throughout the day) burns an additional 350 calories. So, whatever you’re doing—tapping your feet to the beat of the office music, drumming with your pen, etc—do it regularly.
Any employee knows that sitting around in a chair all day can’t be all that healthy either, so try to keep yourself active throughout the day. Walk around the entire office when you need a refill or a bathroom break. Some workers may opt for a standing desk. Small, cubicle-bound movements can improve your heart health as well as keep you animated while you’re on important calls.
Have a Morning Routine
One of the key benefits to exercise is improved mental health, which can also be aided by sticking to a regular routine. Starting with a morning workout video, a walk around the block, or even a stretching routine to keep you limber throughout the day are excellent ideas. Morning exercise is known to give you the energy boost you need to get through the day.
If You Can, Bike to Work
Biking to work is not only a better alternative for the environment; if you can do it, the internet has composed entire lists of reasons why it’s a healthier, more liberating way to commute. Perhaps no reasons are more compelling, however, than the money you’ll save on gas, healthcare costs, and gym memberships.
Clean the House
No one likes to clean, but it’s a great way to burn a few calories. One can even increase the number of calories burned—and the amount of fun had—simply by adding some of the same moves you might do at the gym. Add lunges to your vacuuming or do squats while transporting laundry.
If the gym was never your scene, adding dance moves to your cleaning routine has the same benefit. A well-performed pirouette around the kitchen while dusting is sure to burn a few calories.
Kenny Hedges | Contributing Writer
