Today – a nice post on a relevant topic, by our friend Travis White at Learn Fit:
_______
There are numerous ways to get in shape for swimsuit season, and chances are you have already heard of most of them. Yet, here we are discussing fitness over coffee and a computer keyboard. Perhaps you just haven’t found the right health routine for your lifestyle. Maybe with the arrival of spring and summer, it’ll be just the motivation you need to get moving.
Your healthy lifestyle should be as unique and as fun as you are. As crazy as it may seem, there are several unique ways to exercise and eat healthy that don’t require much thought and can be started right this instant:
1. Walk up and down your stairs at home
If you have a staircase at home, you have all of the workout equipment you need. Grab some athletic shoes, and give yourself a time limit! After a solid thirty minutes, you can dub yourself a “stair master.” Add some productivity in there by bringing down one piece of laundry at a time. If stairs are difficult or put too much stress on your joints, switch gears and simply walk a lap around your yard or incorporate yoga and stretching to relax and clear your mind.
2. Drink water
Limit your sodas and sweet drinks in order to give your body the water it needs. Drinking water throughout the day will not only keep you hydrated, but may also help you control your appetite in order to avoid those extra snack cravings. Staying hydrated is even more important due to the warm temperatures that spring and summer bring, so keep a bottle of water with you at all times.
3. Exercise during commercial breaks. Take your mind off of the commercials, and get your workout in at the same time. During an hour television show, there are an average of 15 minutes of commercials. Depending on how much T.V. you watch throughout your week, you should see (and feel) some results in no time. Although it’s nice to snuggle up on the couch with a blanket and watch your favorite shows, sometimes you need to just unplug and get outside. You can’t use the cold as an excuse anymore, so use this as motivation to enjoy the warmer season.
4. Don’t sleep on the job
Since eating carbs can actually make you sleepy, try replacing them with more fruits and veggies throughout your workweek. This way you will not only be productive at work, but you can use the added energy to do some desk exercises. Don’t work anymore or have recently retired? No worries. Desk exercises can be done with or without a desk. The point is that you are up and moving.
5. Stretch out of your comfort zone
Find a fun activity at least once a week that you typically wouldn’t choose to do. You could try bowling, laser tag, or pilates. Look for outdoor activities as well such as canoeing, disc golf, or nature photography. All of these activities could help you actually enjoy working out and who knows, you might discover a new passion or interest along the way.
6. Volunteer at a non-profit organization
Countless organizations around the world are always looking for some extra help. Many organizations need supplies unpacked, boxes stacked, or food distributed. If heavy lifting isn’t an option, pursue lower impact ways to help like delivering care packages, visiting with community members, or helping to organize events and drives. Most organizations won’t turn away extra help, so ask for ways you can assist that are beneficial to both you and the organization. You won’t just be making a difference in your health, but you will be impacting your community in the process.
7. Work with animals
Whether you become a dog walker or volunteer at a local animal shelter, working with four-legged friends will help you stay active and get fit. And the great thing about spending time with these fur balls is that they aren’t just good for your physical health. They also help improve mood and reduce stress. In addition, dogs are a great motivator to get outside, as they are always ready for an adventure. Take your dog for a short walk around your neighborhood. Don’t forget to bring along water for you and your pooch, as spring and summer bring the heat and risk of dehydration.
8. Get your game on
Game systems like Xbox, Playstation or Wii have a myriad of fitness games that are a source of entertainment and muscle strengthening. Give this a try for those days when the spring and summer heat is just too much, or bad weather is keeping you inside.
9. Redefine “planking”
Stretch those crafting muscles and complete some woodworking projects. By the end of the craft, you will discover muscles you never knew you had and create some cool pieces too.
10. Download a fitness app
If you don’t have access to a personal trainer, fitness apps like My Fitness Pal and Sworkit are great for monitoring your health goals. You can log your meals, learn new exercises, and maintain your fitness plan on your own schedule.
These ideas are definitely not something you would find in a textbook, and that’s exactly the point (and if you need more, here’s another informative post). Your fitness life should be as adventurous as your everyday life! If these ideas aren’t quite your style, find a unique idea that fits you. Live a uniquely healthy lifestyle.
