This is about the E-word.
Exercise.
We need it, we know we need it, and while some days we are all fired up, there are others where it’s the last thing we want to think about.
Well, maybe the trick isn’t always focusing on that 30-minute cardio workout, or how much more we can press this week. Sometimes it can pay to just focus on those little things we can do to get just those couple more minutes of activity in our day, and burn just a few more calories than we otherwise might have.
Take the Stairs: Yea, I’m sure we’ve all heard this before. Where I used to work bit over a year ago, our office was on the second floor, but more often than not I would take the elevator. Unless of course there were other people around, then I’d be too embarrassed and would huff and puff up the stairs instead. Now (I still go back there cause it’s the building my doc is in), I zip up the stairs no problemo… besides feeling better about it, it saves me time! (those short ride elevators can be very slow.) Even going down… if it’s a large office building or something, even just walking down 10 or more flights will get your heart pumping a bit.
Park & Walk: Instead of circling the parking lot at the grocery store or mall looking for that killer spot close to the door…grab the furthest one you can and hoof it to the door. Yea, this won’t do squat if you’re just stopping at the local Kwiki Mart, but at a couple of larger stores/malls, the trip in and back at a couple of stops could add five or more minutes to your exercise tally for the day!
Basket Curls: Only getting a few things at the grocery store? Skip the cart and grab a hand-basket. Switch back and forth between hands while carrying it and get a few curls in as you walk down the aisles.
Skip the eMail: If you’re in an office environment, and it’s not urgent… skip the email and inter-office phone calls. Get up and walk down the hall/upstairs/whatever and deliver that message or ask that question in person.
Sure, this isn’t going to replace a half-hour on the eliptical or a set of reps on the weight bench, but on those days where you are feeling rushed for time, rather than stressing out over not getting to the gym, take a look around and see how you can move yo ass a bit.
How many other “little” ways can you come up with?
