Walking to work, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and eating more salads are all great ways to stay fit without spending hours at the gym or shelling out tons of money on fancy equipment. Here are seven simple ways you can stay fit with little effort.
Take the Stairs to Stay Fit
You will burn about 10 calories for every minute you walk up the stairs. This might not seem like much, but when you’re trying to stay fit and eat healthily, even these small changes can make a huge difference. If your office has stairs, take them instead of the elevator or escalator. The more steps you take throughout the day, the more calories you’ll burn!
Use standing desks
A standing desk is a great way to stay active while you work. By standing, your blood flow increases and you’ll find yourself more energized. Plus, standing for just two hours per day has been shown to help improve general health markers such as glucose levels and cholesterol levels. It’s easy enough to rearrange your home office so that you can alternate between sitting and standing desks, or even find the right desk for your height so that you can switch between sitting and standing as needed throughout the day. Standing desks are also beneficial if you have back problems since they will encourage better posture while working!
Park further away from entrances
Parking your car further away from the entrance will not only help you stay fit, it will also make you feel more accomplished when you walk in. You’ll have earned your snack from all that walking! Plus, by parking further away, you’ll be able to take in your surroundings. Take a minute before entering the office and notice what’s going on around you-you never know what new idea could come from this moment of pause.
Drink water throughout the day
Drinking water throughout the day is a simple, easy way to get into the habit of staying hydrated. Staying hydrated keeps you healthy and energized while also assisting in weight loss. Drink water before your meal, drink water during your meal and drink water after your meal. Drink lots and lots of water!
Participate in group fitness classes
Whether you’re strapped for time or just looking for a change of scenery, taking a walk outside is one of the easiest ways to stay fit. You’ll get fresh air and natural light, both of which are great for your mood! Plus, walking doesn’t require any equipment or experience and can be done anywhere. Just lace up your shoes, put on some comfortable clothes, and get out the door!
1) Grab Your Phone
2) Get Outside
3) Turn Up the Music
4) Start Walking
5) Listen to Podcasts
6) Walk at Your Own Pace
7) Walk in Someone Else’s Shoes
Go on a walk outside
Step outside your front door and take a walk. If you live in an area that has hills, you can add some incline by walking up one hill and back down the next. Throw on your headphones, listen to your favorite music or podcast, and enjoy the scenery. Getting outside for just 30 minutes of exercise every day can make all the difference in how you feel!
Meditate at lunchtime
During your lunch break, try meditating for 10 minutes. This will help you reduce stress and increase productivity. It will also give you more energy and help you sleep better. Research has shown that meditation can increase happiness levels by up to 27%. If you’re not sure where to start, check out Headspace’s free 10-day trial which provides guided meditations for all levels of experience.
Wrap Up
Exercising is great, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some easy ways to stay fit that anyone can do from their home or office, without breaking the bank.
- Park far away from the entrance of your workplace and take the stairs up instead of the elevator.
- Spend more time on your feet by standing at your desk instead of sitting.
- Sneak in 20 minutes of yoga breaks throughout your workday.
- Increase water intake by having a glass before you leave for work and another after lunch.
- Take a 15-minute break every hour for walking or stretching.
- Listen to your body by taking rest days when needed.