With the arrival of nicer weather, we have a tendency to be more active than we are in winter. Many outdoor activities like gardening, home improvements, playing with the grandchildren, or walking the dog can make us realize that we were less active over the winter than we should have been.
If your weekend warrior status has you feeling stiff and sore come Mondays, it’s time to give your body a spring tune up with acupuncture and massage. Your muscles will thank you!
8 easy ways to be more active
- Go for walks.
- Take your dog, make a date with a friend, explore public gardens.
- Take the stairs.
It’s a great workout for your legs and 5 minutes of stairs burns 150 calories! - Use a basket instead of a shopping cart.
If you only have a few things to pick up from the store, use a basket instead of a cart. It’s like a hand weight. Bonus, you won’t have room for all the impulse items that are filled with empty calories and sugar! - Park further away.
Build in extra walking by parking further away from your destination. - Play with your pets.
Dogs, cats, horses, or goldfish, get them playing and you will both get exercise. Well, maybe not the goldfish. - Pace/clean while on the phone.
You know that one relative you can’t get off the phone? You could have a 35 minute walking session in while hearing all about Sally’s sister’s mother’s aunt Dorothy. - Set an alarm.
Remind yourself every 30 minutes to get up and move. It would be a great time to fill your water bottle and get a little extra hydration, too. - Exercise while watching TV.
If you are a tv watcher, throw in mini-workouts while you watch. It’s a great place to park your forgotten stationary bike or dusty treadmill and get it back in service.
Are you trying to be more active? What tips would you add to this list?
