You don’t need to spend two hours at the gym every day in order to burn kilojoules (calories). There are plenty of simple exercises that you can easily infuse into your daily life – even if you only have a few minutes to spare.
Incidental exercise
The next time you’re cleaning the house, put some music on and invest all of your physical energy into the task at hand. It won’t feel like a workout but you’ll burn kilojoules (calories) without even realising. Taking the stairs or walking your kids to school instead of driving (or parking a little further away than usual) can also make a huge difference.
Bursts for the burn
Did you know that thirty minutes of exercise can be just as effective when broken up into 10-minute blocks? A very helpful hint if you’re short on time.
Try including simple, high intensity exercises into your daily rituals so that, over time, they become easy habits. If you’re an office worker, you could do a quick sprint around the block to replace your coffee break – or, even easier, do some jumping jacks or squats while you wait for the kettle to boil. If you’re a full-time parent, try doing just 10 push-ups or crunches every time you change bub’s nappy or your toddler uses the toilet.
All you need is love
It’s cliché but true – choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. The same is true of exercise. If you can find an activity that you enjoy, it won’t feel like a chore. It will just feel like fun! Do you love being outside and exploring nature? Why not try hiking? If you enjoy spending time socialising with friends, a group fitness class might be right up your alley. If you’re thinking, ‘I like relaxing on the couch’ then give yoga a try. It may not involve the couch but it will surely tick the relaxation box.
When it comes to exercise – there truly is something for everyone. Don’t be dismayed if you haven’t found what gels with you yet. Be courageous. Step outside of your comfort zone and try new things, and you will stumble upon something you love in no time.
