How to incorporate exercise into everyday. Having worked in the fitness industry for over 15 years, I’ve come across many people who simply hate going to the gym and refuse to go. I’ve also seen people go from being complete couch potatoes to suddenly deciding to become semi-pro athletes. These were the big extremes, however, as I’ve found most people fall somewhere in the middle and are not gym obsessed or have any desire to make it part of their everyday routine. I’m going to say that’s okay, but with a big HOWEVER. What these people actually need to do is incorporate exercise into their everyday routines.
HOW TO INCORPORATE EXERCISE INTO EVERYDAY
Have Fun. I often hear people complain that they don’t like going to the gym and that they don’t have time. My answer to this is simple, you don’t have to! I admit that I’m not a huge fan of lifting weights and hanging out on the machines. I do, however, like the treadmill as I find it quite relaxing, but again it isn’t for everyone. When I had my Pilates studio, I made a concerted effort to make my classes fun so that even when people were breaking a sweat and feeling the burn, people didn’t notice that they were working out, instead they were having fun! Tip: have fun and incorporate movement into your daily routine and you won’t have to go to the gym.
Move More Often. Living in Vancouver I noticed that almost everyone was obsessed with the gym and fitness. It was almost unheard of for condo towers to not have a gym built right in. I would roll downstairs and go for a workout without ever having to leave my home. Now that I’ve moved to Eastern Europe, I noticed that gyms aren’t very prevalent and to be honest, are quite expensive to join. The difference is that I’m living in a building where I have to climb 72 (steep) stairs to get to my place. Do that 10 times in one day and your glutes get a great workout. Take them two at a time and suddenly you feel your abs kicking in without even thinking about them. You may not have stairs in your building but I’m sure that they are somewhere nearby. Tip: take the stairs and park further away from your office. You’ll be sneaking in a workout without even noticing.
Increase Gradually. Now you don’t have to jump off your couch and run around the block, but perhaps a 30 minute walk after dinner tonight? Or wake up 10 minutes earlier tomorrow morning and do some gentle yoga poses. Both of these activities will count toward a fitter you. Tip: Sneak some movement in wherever and whenever possible.
Eat Healthier. Again, this does not have to be an all or nothing scenario. It might be a matter of putting less food on your plate or eating a healthy salad first. This will fill you up and you wont be reaching for seconds. I also like to drink a full glass of water before sitting down to a meal, as it helps to fill me up. Tip: Start slowly, a little bit at a time and soon enough your eating pattern will change for the better.
It’s all about taking small steps and not stressing about becoming a pro-athlete. Every little bit you do counts, it’s all about consistency. Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a day; just try a little harder the following day! So what are you waiting for? Go have fun!
How do you incorporate exercise into your daily routine?
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21 Comments
Admit I don´t work out as much as I should, but taking a longer route from the grocery store is a tip, I often do that 🙂
http://kjandersen.org/
That’s a fantastic way to sneak in a workout. I do that often as well. Thank you!
xo
I could not agree more with you! Exercise is so important and is absolutely not boring. The key is to switch it up. I can’t more than 2 days without doing something active. Then again, everyone is different and I respect that. All the same, love the post!
http://mademoiselleaventure.blogspot.ca
Agreed! I constantly need to switch it up… in addition to it getting boring I also tend to get injuries that way!
xo
Great tips! I so need to invest in my body and work out and have FUN! Visit my blog for a chance to WIN a pair of vintage sunglasses.
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Thank you!
xo
I love exercising… it makes me feel happy!
nice tips doll
xox
borka
http://www.chicfashionworld.com
Thank you! That’s another bonus everyone feels great after working out!
xo
I definitely fall somewhere in the middle when it comes to fitness- not an avid gymrat, but not a couch potato either. I find I’m more enthusiastic about healthy eating, and taking the stairs/walking whenever possible. These are great time-effective tips, Caroline, thanks for sharing!
xo
Ash
http://www.vogueanatomy.com
That’s me exactly too! I used to love the gym but now I’d rather be outside!
xo
I loved this post dear… I do pilates, 45 minutes per day, some times for 1 hour, and sometimes I don´t have time to do it every day but I try to workout at less 4 times per week… When I was at school I played voley ball, then at college I went to the gym as a religion and I learned to swim too, so I became a swim isntructor for two years, but after I got married and have my daughter time became a problem and I decide to workout at home, so pilates was an exellent idea and still is… that´s my contribution dear… hope you get more comments…
hugs
Diana
http://www.petitgraphie.blogspot.com
This is wonderful, thank you!!! I used to teach rock climbing, I danced semi-professionally and then I had my own Pilates studio for many years but after I closed it I stopped having such an active life. Pilates is so wonderful for sneaking in a workout and it’s so fun!
xo
Thank you for sharing, I am honestly a lazy kinda girl and don’t exercise at all
Candice | Beauty Candy Loves
xoxo
oooh, try some of these tips and you won’t even realize that you are working out.!
xo
Gyms are impossible to get to in Warsaw without driving miles away from home, so I try to workout at my place. When I feel lazy (that means often), I just go for mild stretching or yoga (perfect for people who sit at their desk all day) – there are great video tutorials on YouTube that are a perfect substitute for having a personal trainer. The person on the screen tells me what to do in his/her calming voice and I just follow, without noticing when half an hour passes.
As I find it quite hard to leave my desk (and actually to do other crucial stuff as well) I’ve put a large yellow banner on my computer desktop reminding me to go exercise instead of mindlessly browsing the internet.
This is so awesome! I agree that there are many great videos out there, having been a trainer for many years I have to say that it’s still very important to check in with a pro every once in a while to check your form but it’s so fantastic that you have a banner on your computer reminding you to get up!
xo
Such great advice… I always think i need to get up more from my computer desk and move! In fact I need to do now.
Love the post Caroline! xx
Thank you! Now that I’m not a trainer anymore I have to keep reminding myself to get up more often!
xo
Whilst I’m definitely not a couch potato I definitely don’t do enough exercise. I really must work on that. Thanks for the motivation
Happy to help!
xo