Exercise is vital to keeping your health in tip-top shape. It improves your body’s functions, keeps your mind running smoothly, and helps you look your best. However, work and daily life can get in the way of creating active habits or routines. Still, there are tons of ways to get your exercise fix no matter how busy you are, and having a consistent workout routine can even improve your work-life balance! Here are a few methods to burn those calories even in the hustle and bustle of life:
1. Workout From Home
Going to the gym can take up a lot of precious time from your schedule, but there are many other ways and places you can burn calories. You can exercise from the comfort of your own home, equipment optional. Whether you want to do strength training, cardio, HIIT, Pilates, or more, there is a load of great videos and channels on the Internet that you can check out — for great results. Before heading to work, you can start your day with a video of your choice for a few days a week. You can watch and follow a 20-minute HIIT workout and finish it off with a 10-minute weights video, and already that’s a quick and effective 30-minute exercise period. Curate a playlist of your favorite videos that work for you to keep a consistent routine, or you can always shake it up and keep experimenting.
2. Walk Everywhere
People walk every day, but many don’t see it as a form of exercise. However, walking 10,000 steps a day can lead to plenty of health benefits. Walking can help to strengthen your heart, stabilize your blood sugar, and improve your cognitive performance. Since your body is also working to fuel critical systems while you’re active, you’ll be able to store less fat and gain less weight during holiday events where food is abundant. You don’t have to try to achieve your goal simultaneously, as you can rack up your steps throughout the day. Walk around your house or office every few minutes or hours, opt to go on foot if you aren’t traveling too far, or take the stairs instead of the elevator at all times.
3. Stay Active During Breaks
Exercising might be the last on your list of things you want to do during your downtime, but short breaks in your routine can also be an opportunity to stay active. You don’t have to do a full-on workout during the weekends, but you can sneak in some exercise throughout the day to keep your blood pumping. If you’re watching TV, do some quick jumping jacks or jog in place during commercials. Make grocery shopping or a trip to the mall a workout opportunity by walking with purpose. Instead of ordering in, bike or walk to a nearby restaurant so you can take out a meal to bring home with you. The little things will add to physical progress, and you’ll eventually realize your body feels better.
4. Exercise To Unwind
Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and clear the mind. At the end of your busy day, do a workout that can help you relax. It doesn’t have to be so intense that you don’t tire yourself further. Yoga and stretching are great ways to build strength and flexibility while also helping you focus your mind on each movement instead of your worries. Tai chi also uses flowing movements that train your mind to focus, and you can sleep well after a session of seemingly simple exercises.
While exercise is key to keeping you fit, make sure you’re also putting effort into cultivating nutritious eating habits, hydrating regularly, and keeping things in moderation. Doing so can keep your body, mind, and work in perfect balance.
Article written by: Rosey Jamison
