Believe us, we know how hard it can be to find the motivation to work out- even though we know how good it is for us. Most people cringe at the word “exercise” because all they think about is uncontrollable sweat and tears. Here are the top 10 ways to get your daily exercise in without having to think too hard about it, or make yourself miserable in the process!
- Go explore your surroundings: Think of all the beautiful places you live around; there are so many parks to explore, mountains to hike, and historical marks to see. Take some time out of your day to see new things in your city and get some miles racked up!
- Sex: Being intimate with your partner can be a double-whammy, you can get emotionally and physically closer to them while burning a ton of calories. In fact, you can burn up to 100 calories during sexual activity.
- Clean the house: I know it’s not much fun, but cleaning your house has to be done. So does exercise. So why not get them both done at the same time? Think of the legs and butt you’re going to get walking up and down the stairs vacuuming or bending up and down dusting? I’ll take it!
- Shop: Need I say more? Walking around the mall window shopping can burn calories and help get your daily steps in (don’t forget you need to walk at least 10,000 steps a day!). Bring along some weights to carry around to work your arms (and prevent you from working your wallet).
- Stand at your desk: It’s suggested to stand up at least once an hour if you’re at a stationary job, so why not get a standing desk so you can still do your work while giving your legs a stretch? All you do is pull your desk up while you stand up, then when it’s time to sit back down you can push the table top down and go back to a normal desk. It’s a win-win!
- Meet up with friends at the park instead of the coffee shop: switch up the ordinary round-table meeting setup at Starbucks with your fatty vanilla latte and opt for taking a walk around the park while discussing what you normally would at your meetings. Getting some exercise in while getting some work done sounds like a good deal to me.
- Yoga: that thing people do before heading out to brunch? Yes, you can do it. Make it more fun by taking it outside. Bring your mat out to the fresh dewy grass and do your downward dog with the morning sun on your back. You’ll feel refreshed for the day and already have your exercise done.
- Swimming: it’s not something most of us consider a workout, but it is! Hit up the neighborhood pool and take a few laps. You’ll be working all the muscles in your body while having fun. Who would’ve known your favorite summer activity is healthy?
- Dance it out: take up a Zumba class, or even turn on the radio in your living room and bust a move! Dancing is another activity that burns fat like crazy, and something we all like to do, it’s like it’s not even a workout. Think of all the muscles you’re using when you’re pop, lock, and dropping it (it’s all of them).
- Get your S.O. involved: people perform better and are more likely to meet their goals if they’re working with someone and have motivation. So why not get your partner involved in your walks, sightseeings, and dancing? I can guarantee you they aren’t going to turn down a good time. You’ll be having so much fun you’ll forget it’s healthy.