photo by {link:http://www.flickr.com/photos/14871980@N05/2482679469/}longtrekhome{/link}
There are lots of reasons to get regular exercise. It gives you more energy, helps you sleep better, eases your stress and improves your mood, and, obviously, makes you healthier. Yet many of us don’t get enough exercise, and some of us don’t exercise at all, excluding the walk from the fridge to the couch and back. It’s not that we don’t want the benefits, but for one reason or another, we can’t (or won’t) fit it into our daily lives.
Well, I’m here to ruin your day with quick, easy ways to fit some exercise into any routine. But, better than that, I’m also here to give you some ways to get some exercise without feeling like you’re exercising. Because, lets face it, if you liked to exercise, you wouldn’t have this problem in the first place.
Park farther away
I’m sure you’ve heard this one before, but it’s so simple and easy that it bears repeating and including here. When you go to the store, or anywhere else with a parking lot for that matter, park toward the back of the lot. It’s not going to add more than a couple of minutes to your trip, even if you park in the last row at Super Wal-Mart, and a brisk walk is good for you.
And before you try to use your purchases as an excuse to park closer, just use a cart. That way you won’t have to do any carrying, which is bad for your joints anyway (see this post on avoiding arthritis).
I know this isn’t feasible in every situation, such as alone at night or in the middle of a 115 degree afternoon, but try to do it as often as makes sense. When you come up with a “reason” not to park far away, ask yourself if you’re just making excuses, and be honest with yourself when you answer.
Walk or ride a bike
This one is a little more time consuming, and therefore more liable to excuses, but it’s an easy way to get some exercise. When you’re going somewhere close to home, consider skipping the car and either walking or riding your bike (obviously you need a bike for this). Take along some music if you’re easily bored, like I am.
It doesn’t have to be a long walk or ride; in fact, the longer the distance, the more likely you’ll just jump in the car and say to hell with it. Less than five minutes is ideal, both for your motivation and your schedule.
Take the dog for a walk
This only works if you have a dog, though you can borrow one if you’re feeling ambitious. But if you do have a dog, it’s something that you probably should be doing anyway. Not only is it good for your dog (as per Cesar Millan), but it’s also good for you. Like the walk or bike ride I mentioned before, this doesn’t have to be a marathon or anything. For me, I just go until my dog dislocates my shoulder from sheer excitement. What can I say? She’s an energetic dog.
Play with your kids
Or, if you don’t have any, you can borrow some kids to go with your loaner dog, and you’ll have some very thankful friends or neighbors. In fact, you can come borrow mine anytime you like. I only have one kid, but he has enough energy for three or four, and I have two sizes of dog to choose from. No?
Really, though, this is one of the best ways I’ve found to get exercise, and it feels the least like exercise of the four methods I’ve outlined. Go to the park, or just play in your yard if you have one, and run around playing tag or something. I guarantee you’ll drop before your kids do. Though it does have a bonus effect; your kids will wear out and go to bed easier. A win-win.
What do YOU recommend?
There you have it, my top 4 methods for getting exercise without feeling like you’re exercising. I know there are more out there. What tips do you have to share? Please, comment below.
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