flying a kite near the Golden Gate
Wikimedia Commons
If you’ve been sedentary for most of your life, you can start changing your habits a little at a time. Here are eight tips for becoming active and getting your heart back into shape.
Walk don’t drive
Whenever possible, walk instead of jumping in the car. If you were to walk to the grocery store instead of making all of those trips for one or two items, you’d be well on your way to meeting your goal. When you do drive, park farther away from your destination and walk the rest of the way.
Take the stairs
The stairs are your friend! Don’t take the elevator or escalator. If you can’t make it up more than one flight, you could always walk up one flight of stairs and take the escalator the rest of the way.
Get a dog, or start walking your dog
Dogs need exercise too, and it’s one of the best ways to become active. Once your dog gets used to his daily walk, you won’t be able to put it off, or forget. He’ll always be there to remind you. If you can’t have a dog where you live, consider volunteering at the local humane society. Most really appreciate a dog walker, and you’ll be doing a great thing for a lonely animal.
At work
If you work in an office building during the day, be sure to get up often. Not so much that your boss becomes angry, but if you can, get up every hour and walk around the building. Where I used to work, I made it a habit to drink at least eight ounces of water every hour, so not only would I meet the goal for my water intake, I’d get some exercise walking to the cafeteria, and again to the restroom and back.
If possible, spend at least half of your lunch break walking. You’ll feel a lot more alert in the afternoon in addition to getting some physical activity into your day.
Housework
If you take care of your home during the day, you can work some exercise into housecleaning. Do some squats while your vacuuming or just put a little extra effort into what you’re doing to get your heart going. Gardening is not only a great mental boost, but it can be good exercise too.
Friends
Instead of meeting a friend for a drink or just a gossip session, consider going for a walk to discuss whatever is on your mid.
Do something fun
Do you think of flying a kite or throwing a Frisbee as exercise? These kinds of activities can be a lot more pleasurable than running on a treadmill or forcing yourself to perform calisthenics, but you can actually get a good cardio workout while you have fun at the same time.
Dance
Play your favorite tunes and dance. No one else has to know, and there are no rules. Just move. Even better, if you have kids, this is a great way to get them moving, and laughing, along with you.
If you already workout out intensely at least three days a week, or even every day, consider using some of these options to add to your routine and increase your endurance and cardiovascular health.
K.C. Dermody has been an avid runner, hiker, and yoga enthusiast for twenty years, and as a trained yoga instructor she taught a variety of students from senior citizens to competitive athletes. She enjoys combining her passion for sports, emotional and physical well-being with her love of writing.
More from this contributor:
Five Exercise Tips for Quick and Healthy Weight Loss
Five Tips to Kickstart a Lifetime Habit of Exercise: Lose Weight the Right Way
Three of the best ways to improve athletic performance and to lose weight
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