Even a little more movement each day can make a big difference in your health. .
We hear a lot about how staying active can make our life longer and healthier. Getting more activity into your day is easier than you might think. No sweat-drenched workout is needed. It can be something like a walk in a park, a dig in a garden or parking your car at the far end of the lot.
The first step can be simple: Move more and sit less.
Read some basics that can help you along the path to being more active.
1. Bike or walk to school.
When a car is your main source of transportation, the hours of inactivity can add up. If you live somewhere close to your school, try biking or walking there instead of going by car.
2. Set some fitness goals.
Start by setting goals that are SMART - Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound – so you can benchmark your progress against them. An example of a SMART goal would be:
I would like to decrease the amount of time it takes me to run a mile. I want to decrease it from 11 minutes to 9 minutes. I can measure my progress by timing my runs from now on – perhaps with a smart watch or a stopwatch.
3. Build a weekly workout routine.
Planning your workouts ahead of time will help you stay on track and meet your fitness goals.
Children should do 1 hour or more of physical daily activities. If you’re new in fitness, start slow, but stick to a routine.
4. Hit the gym.
At the gym, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded people who make physical fitness a priority, which can help you stay motivated to achieve your fitness goals.
5. Stay inspired.
One way you can stay motivated to be physically active is to make an inspiration board of people who inspire you to stay active. You can also follow inspiring blogs or Instagram accounts.
6. Plan group fitness activities with friends.
Plan active rest with your friends, suggest a group activity like dancing, bowling, or hiking. Motivate yourself (and your friends) to get moving with some healthy new activities.
7. Take a stand.
Remember to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day to keep your feet, legs, and back happy.
8. Do those chores.
Cooking, house cleaning, and yard work are great ways to increase your physical activity and cross items on your to-do list off at the same time.
9. Get a pet.
Routine walking, grooming, and playing fetch or catch-the-red-dot will get your heart pumping.
10. Change the scenery.
It’s easy to become a couch potato, especially if you never leave the house. Plan a weekend getaway or trip somewhere you’ve always wanted to travel to. Experiencing the unknown will make you more inclined to get moving, check out some sights, and try new things.
11. Try a new hobby.
Get out of your comfort zone with a new hobby like yoga or salsa lessons.
