The benefits of exercise…blah, blah, blah. We all know that exercise is good for the body. But what many of us don’t realize is that a little bit throughout the day over a week adds up.
Whether you’re at home, at work or at school, there is so much you can do all day to move your body. Gym rats will tell you that you have to get in a sweat-it-out workout most days of the week to have an impact (I used to be one, so I know). Nah. Even science can’t consistently back this up.
“Even as little as 1 – 2 minute increments that add up to 30 minutes throughout the day can be just as beneficial as longer bouts of physical activity that are achieved at the gym.” Cleveland Clinic
A brisk walk with the dog before breakfast, some squats and desk push-ups at work, a football toss with the kids after school, arm circles after dinner…don’t scoff, it counts.
Sure there are some of us who have to get the 10-mile run in every day, but for the rest of us, check it out:
Do mini squats or modified pliés (men do pliés, too…strong legs are good for all!) while you smear the kids’ toast.
Do a few shoulder and neck rolls while you wait for the dogs to scarf their grub.
Use a hand grip in the car at stop lights.
If you don’t have an adjustable desk at work, stand to read documents while you sit to write them.
Alternate sitting on your desk chair with balancing on an exercise ball.
Do calf raises by the window.
Need to go to the bathroom? Hover over the toilet before you sit, do 10 squats.
Walk up and down the stairs on a break.
Walk the dog, pick up leaves or hit some balls with the kids after work.
Do leg curls while you sauté the broccoli.
After you digest dinner, drop and hold a plank or two.
Stretch while you watch tv or read email.
Boom. Done.
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