One of the best ways to ensure a healthy lifestyle is to stay consistently active. This past year, the pandemic caused many gyms to close, but during this time, I still tried to make an effort to maintain an active lifestyle. Exercising doesn’t always have to be intense or difficult. Instead, I like to focus on manageable activities that still make me feel good and energized. Read on to see some of my favorite simple ways to stay active.
1. Even 5 Minutes is Better Than Nothing
I used to put off exercising because I always felt like I didn’t have enough time in the day to squeeze in a full, hour-long workout. In reality, I was just using that as an excuse not to commit to regular exercise. In the long run, even five minutes of activity makes a huge difference. Now, I try my best to squeeze in a small workout every day, even if it’s just five minutes of stretching or weightlifting.
2. Schedule a Workout as the First Activity of the Day
Another method that has helped me stay active is to work out first thing in the morning. Rather than giving myself excuses for not having time later in the day, I force myself to commit to it by making it the first activity I complete in the morning. This also helps you kickstart the day with a healthy dose of endorphins and feel-good energy.
3. Park Further Away from Your Destination
This is something that I regularly do to make myself walk more. It can be tempting to find the closest parking spot, especially when it’s hot outside, but parking further away and forcing yourself to walk to your destination actually helps you squeeze in a little exercise. This is a great (and super easy) way to unconsciously stay active.
4. Start Small and Work Your Way Up
Setting up a workout routine can seem overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Rather than tackling a full-body workout on your first day, try incorporating small activities into your daily routine. To ensure that you can stick with these exercises, opt for things that you actually find fun. If you’re not a fan of running, don’t include the treadmill in your workout routine. Instead, try other fun forms of cardio, like dancing or playing ball. Get creative! The goal is to stay active in any way, shape, or form.
Working out doesn’t have to be a chore. What are some of your favorite ways to stay active?