Life gets busy and most people struggle to fit everything into 24 hours. That’s why many people skip a regular workout routine, knowing that that’s one of those things that can be skipped in order to have more time getting their work done, spending time with their family, or finishing all of the chores at night.
The problem is we are not doing any favors for our health. Getting exercise is just as important as your daily shower or eating dinner, but it’s often overlooked as something that will be done only if there’s time. That’s why busy people are finding way to sneak in some exercise during the day without taking away from other things. Find out how you can squeeze in a workout even when you’re too busy.
Make your chores a workout
Have you ever noticed that you get tired after finishing the chores? Whether it’s cooking a 3-course meal for dinner, vacuuming the floors, or dusting the house, these activities involve movement and can count as exercise.
Instead of putting off the chores for another night, make the chores your exercise for today to kill two birds with one stone. Between the moving, the lifting, bending over, and scrubbing, you’re going to be working all kinds of muscles. Your chores can be a workout from hauling a load of clothes to the washing machine to walking around the entire lawn with your mower.
Doing something is better than nothing
Sometimes you have to remember that it’s better to do something that nothing at all. Even if you can’t hit the gym, you probably have time for a 15 minute walk around the neighborhood or playing with the kids at the park before dinner. Find opportunities for fitness during the day, even if it’s as simple as a walk around the office or a dance party with the kids before bed.
Make easy tasks harder
One trick that many fit people use is that they will make thing a little bit harder just for the exercise benefits that comes with it. For example, don’t park at that prime parking spot at the grocery store but instead take the farthest spot to give you an extra walk today.
Walk to the farthest bathroom from your office instead of the convenient one around the corner. Walk or bike to your lunch destination rather than getting in the car again. Skip the elevator to take the stairs. Look for opportunities to turn your easy tasks a little bit longer and more fitness-friendly.
Multi-tasking makes a difference
Lastly, make sure to find opportunities to exercise even during the most menial tasks. Multi-tasking can be found anywhere, whether it’s doing crunches during a conference call, stretching in the waiting room at an appointment, or doing lunges as you push your cart full of groceries around the store. Find opportunities to sneak something physical in while completing daily tasks.
You can get a workout in even during the busiest of schedules. Try these tips to become a little more fit even when life is too busy for it.