Take a look at your schedule. Go ahead, take a long look.
Chances are, most of your days are filled to the brim with things to do. You might work a 9-5 job, or you might be a stay-at-home mom trying to keep up with your hyper-energetic kids.
Most people understand the importance of exercise. Still, so many of those same people skimp out on workouts.
Where is the disconnect between our ambition to work out and making exercise a part of our lives?
A hectic schedule is one of the most common reasons why people don’t work out consistently (and why they don’t believe they can in the first place).
Believe it or not, there are plenty of opportunities throughout the day to exercise, even in the middle of your volatile schedule.
Try out these quick-and-easy exercises that can be done on the go, in the office, at the gym, at the mall, etc. Time to keep those workout shoes glued to your feet and ready to go!
Exercise While Brushing Your Teeth
What do you usually do when you brush your teeth?
I’d venture to say 99% of people just stand in front of their mirrors motionless, staring back at their reflection.
Seems like wasted energy, right? Especially in your legs.
Instead of doing nothing as you brush your teeth, try running in place, doing some squats, or squeezing in a few wall-sits.
If you do these during your morning brushing session, your legs will feel warmed up and ready to walk all day long. Increase the intensity before bed; that way, you’ll get a better burn and fall asleep faster.
Exercise at Work
Most jobs require their employees to be trained onto a computer screen for hours on end. There really isn’t the time or space to fit exercise into your routine…
Or is there?
You absolutely can work your body in the workplace. You just have to get creative.
Sitting on an exercise stability ball instead of a chair can improve your posture and will tighten your core muscles. You can move on the ball to get more of your body into it.
You can also try bringing resistance bands into work. These bands harness your own body weight to perform exercises such as bicep curls, all without needing actual dumbbells.
Even standing at your cubicle all day can burn an extra 50 calories per hour. That might not seem like much, but when you make these small exercises a part of your daily routine, it adds up and helps you reach your fitness goals faster.
Interested in resistance-based workouts? Resistance-based equipment is at the core of Fit Body’s fitness programs worldwide, so stop into a location and try it out for yourself!
Exercise on Break
When you finally can step away from your computer and take a break, try to do something that will get your blood flowing and burn some calories.
You can bring a sit-up mat to work and do push-ups, sit-ups, crunches, and other ab exercises. You can also jog in place, do some lunges, get in a few trunk twists, and even throw in
some burpees for the heck of it.
If exercising is too much of a distraction to your co-workers, move your impromptu session to a parking lot or a small patch of grass outside.
If your office has stairs, try doing some stepping exercises that will get your heart rate up. In fact, take the stairs as much as possible; you’ll cut a few more calories than you would taking the elevator.
If you have 30 minutes to spare, try hopping into a Fit Body class near you! We’ll get you an amazing workout in 30 minutes, so you’ll be back to work in plenty of time. Additionally, our Afterburn effect will keep your burning calories long after you return to your desk.
Exercise While Running Errands
Time to run some errands! You heard that right: run some errands.
OK, so maybe you don’t need to actually run, but walking or jogging to and from your errand destinations is a great way to work out!
This will force you to get those errands done in a timely fashion and will save you some gas money.
The workout doesn’t end when you arrive at your destination, though.
If you’re in a long line, try stretching out. You’ll keep those muscles warm and ready to take you to the next spot.
Exercise with Friends
What do you and your friends do to hang out?
There are a lot of inactive ways to chill: kicking back at the house, going to a movie, etc. These are all great ways to de-stress and get some needed “rest & relaxation”.
But being active with friends is another awesome way to lose weight, get toned, or add muscle. With friends, you have added accountability to stay on track towards your fitness goals.
One fun way to break a sweat with friends is to play sports. Football, basketball, baseball, you name it – they’re all great cardio workouts. Doing all of these activities with a group of friends make them a lot more enjoyable, too!
Other great group fitness activities include hiking, dancing, biking, and swimming. Try them out and see which stick with your group.
If you don’t find any of those options intriguing, you can go to a county fair or an amusement park for the whole day. You’ll have to walk around to get to each attraction, so you’ll be giving your legs quite the exercise.
You and your friends can also stop by your local Fit Body Boot Camp together! Our gyms foster supportive communities of like-minded members all striving for the same fitness goals!
Exercise While Watching TV
Television is often associated with a sedentary lifestyle. When you think of someone watching TV, you probably imagine someone lounging back on a couch, chips in hand, moving only a few inches every hour.
But why does it have to be like this?
You can watch TV and work out at the same time! Just flip on your favorite channel and make the most of your downtime.
Try doing squats, push-ups, sit-ups, lunges, crunches, inch worms, jumping jacks, burpees, or whatever other workouts you can think of.
The best part is that the television can distract you from concentrating on the soreness that comes with working out. Also, you’ll be in the comfort of your own home, so you won’t have to worry about feeling judged by others at the gym.
Fortunately, Fit Body cultivates that same positive environment. No one feels judged, and each person can work at his or her own pace!
