6 simple ways to be more active
Getting fit is part of having a happier, healthier body, but being more active doesn’t stop at your exercise sessions – why not incorporate as much movement as possible into your day?
What if we told you that you could get fit just by brushing your teeth, or even watching TV? Every bit of activity you do adds up, so building more movement into your daily routine means you’ll soon be hitting your fitness goals.
1. Tone up with your toothbrush
Use the time you’re brushing your teeth to squeeze your buttock muscles together. Hold for one count then relax, and repeat.
2. Be NEAT at home
Ever heard of ‘Non-exercise activity thermogenesis’? It means the amount of energy, or calories, we burn doing everything that isn’t exercise. So move as much as you can during the course of your normal routine. Things like typing, pacing while on the phone, chewing gum, and even fidgeting, all count as forms of movement (however small).
3. Burn while cooking
No, we don’t mean your dinner – we’re talking extra calories. Instead of using a food processor, chop veg by hand or mix ingredients with a spoon and a bit of elbow grease – it all adds up.
4. Watch and work out
Every time the adverts are on, pick an exercise such as sit-ups and do it until your programme restarts. If you’re watching TV for two hours, that’s nearly 30 minutes of extra exercise.
5. Get competitive
Got a Fitbit or pedometer? Set up a league with friends to see who can complete the most steps in a day, or one week. It’s surprisingly motivating…
6. Set simple goals
Turn your to-do list into a workout. Need to post a letter? That’s a quick walk done. Tidying the kids’ toys away? All that squatting and lifting is (almost) better than a gym session.