How to Make Fitness a Daily Routine
By Sarah Dray
For those who see exercise as a chore, rather than an enjoyable way to pass the time, it can be hard to work out regularly. Don't focus on a few intense workouts a week. It might make more sense to become more active overall and learn to incorporate physical activity into everyday life, even if it's in short bouts.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Make an appointment with yourself. Write down a time and day for exercise, even if it's 30 minutes a few times a week. Treat fitness as any other scheduled activity, and do not break the appointment. If you treat exercise as a commitment, you will have a better chance of staying with it.
Don't discount the value of non-exercise activities. Housework such as sweeping the floors, mowing the lawn or dusting the bookcases all burn calories, if these chores are done at a high speed and intensity.
Move whenever you can. Take the stairs instead of the elevator; get off the bus one station early; and walk the dog an additional 10 minutes in the morning and evening.
Make fitness a family affair. Take the kids on a bike ride at the local park; go dancing with friends or your partner; or invite a friend for a hike. Exercising with a partner will help you stay motivated and provide you with an opportunity to share your fitness goals with others.
Take advantage of breaks during the day. Use your lunch hour to go for a walk, or do jumping jacks while on hold for a phone call. You can exercise while watching TV, talking to a friend on the phone or even sitting at your desk (do Kegel exercises or leg stretches while typing).
Find an active hobby. If you hate to exercise, you might need something fun that also burns calories. Activities such as rollerblading, snowshoeing, playing Frisbee or hiking can be good exercise. Join a softball or soccer league; take tennis classes or go swimming.
Break workouts into 10-minute bouts. Experts think people get as much benefit from a 30-minute workout than from three 10-minute ones spread throughout the day. Take 10 minutes in the morning to stretch and do abdominal work. Take a walk or do squats and lunges during lunch. At night, take a short stroll after dinner or do arm-and-back exercises while watching TV.
Tips & Warnings
Don't obsess over days when exercise doesn't happen. Sometimes life gets complicated, and it's just not possible to get to the gym. Just keep active throughout the day.
About The Author
Sarah Dray has been writing since 1996. She specializes in health, wellness and travel topics and has credits in various publications, including "Woman's Day," "Marie Claire," "Adirondack Life" and "Self." She is also a seasoned independent traveler and a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant. Dray is pursuing a criminal justice degree at Penn Foster College.
Photo Credits
Cheryl Empey
