There is not always enough time in the day to get a workout in. Or maybe there is, but you have to cut your workout short for one reason or another.
My goal is work up a sweat at least 3 times a week, if not 4-5. However, if my week turns out to be busier than usual (and workout time is diminished) then I make certain to squeeze in extra movement whenever possible.
Movement not only beats boredom, but it just generally puts me in a more upbeat and cheery mood. If I’m too sedentary during the day, then my energy is simply zapped. The more I move, the more energy I have. Do you feel the same?
Here are 5 tips that I use to squeeze in movement during rest days and/or days when working out is not a priority.
Some may be familiar, some may be new, but all are surefire ways to get your daily steps in.
1. Drink a lot of water so you have to take frequent trips to the bathroom. Am I crazy for this? Maybe. I’m knocking out two goals [drink more H20 + get more movement] with essentially one action [gulp away].
It helps to have a handy dandy water bottle with you at all times. And believe me, I always do. Without my Contigo water bottle, I feel naked.
I’m not even kidding with this one either. My friends know me as the girl who always has to pee and my coworkers probably think I have bladder control issues.
But hey, moving gets the blood flowing, the oxygen pumping, and the muscles working. If I sat at my desk chair all day long then I’d leave work feeling stiff and cranky.
I’d much rather be the cheery girl with the bladder problem then the grumpy girl in a cranky mood. Am I right?
2. Park as far away from the building as possible. This is an oldie, but a goodie. That extra few minutes to and from your car can make a difference in your daily steps.
So park across the street or park down the block. Just pass up that VIP spot in the front row – it will pay off in the long run.
3. Take the stairs. This is another old tip, but it’s also a great one! I cringe a little when I see people waiting in the line for the elevator when they have only one flight of stairs to climb. Of course, there may be valid reasons that you need to take the elevator but in my opinion, carrying a backpack is not one of them.
[do this ^ more often]
Give your butt some attention and pass up the elevator.
4. Speed shop. Do you have to pass up the gym to hit up the grocery store? No worries. Just do some fast walking and take a few laps around the store. Do some squats while you read labels. You may get a few sideways stairs, but at least you’re getting some extra movement.
Tip: watch out for small children if you’re cart racing.
5. Ride your bike whenever possible. If I had the option of riding my bike to the store or to work, I would take full advantage. Unfortunately, I live out in the boonies so biking as a means of transportation isn’t really in the cards.
Are you within safe biking distance of shopping centers or your place of employment? Take advantage! That could even count as your workout for the day – multitasking in the best way possible.
Share your tips to get extra movement in! Do you sneak in squats during your workday or leg lifts while brushing your teeth?
Someone tell me that they drink extra water for an excuse to get up and walk to the bathroom too!
<3 Stefanie
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