I've said it before and I'll say it again: I hate working out. I'm not flexible and get incredibly winded, but I made it my New Year's resolution to get fit.
Sometimes it's hard to incorporate working out into your daily routine, despite the need to follow the American Heart Association's recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Truth be told, after a long day at work, the last thing I want to do is put on my workout clothes and go for a run around the block.
But despite my busy lifestyle, I've discovered there are plenty of simple ways to achieve a healthier body that doesn't even feel like I'm trying. Here are six easy ways to exercise I recommend to all my family and friends.
1. Get a pedometer
Last Christmas my best friend gifted me a Fitbit and it changed my life. While that might sound dramatic, having a pedometer track my movements throughout the day encourages me to be more active and reach my goal of 10,000 steps per day. Having a tangible source record my progress lets me know how close I am to reaching my goal.Don't believe me? According to Metro, wearing a pedometer compels the average person to walk close to 30% more every day.
2. Take the stairs
Lately I've been taking the stairs instead of relying on the elevator to pleasantly surprising results. Climbing the stairs instead of letting a lift bring you to your destination helps improve your aerobic fitness and strengthens your legs and bum. It raises our metabolism, which allows us to burn more calories.According to Self, only five minutes of stair climbing will help you burn a whopping 48 calories!
3. Stand up more
Getting a proper workout while at the office may be impossible for some, but there are slight adjustments to your work space can make a world of difference. By simply switching to a standing desk adds plenty of healthy benefits you'd otherwise miss by sitting down."We all know sitting kills, so fix your posture, strengthen your legs, and spend the day being more productive with a standing desk," personal trainer Meghan Kennihan told Bustle. "It encourages more movement and is better for you body."
4. Park far away
Whether you're making a trip to the supermarket, shopping center or work, parking a few extra spots away can help burn a few extra calories you may have accumulated throughout the day. Just an extra 10 minutes of movement can burn about 41 calories.5. Clean your house
I know, I know, nobody likes cleaning, but despite being a dreadful task, it forces you to keep on moving. Along with the added benefit of having a spic and span house, you can count doing chores as getting in your daily cardio."Vacuuming, mopping, and scrubbing are good calorie burners," fitness expert Carol Michaels told Bustle. "You will get in some exercise and have a really nice clean home."
6. Have sex
Despite being a little raunchy, having sex does more than give you a cathartic release, but gives you quite the exercise!According to the journal PLOS One, "sex burns 3.1 calories a minute in women and 4.2 calories a minute in men." Since the average couple engages in about five to seven minutes of intercourse, this enjoyable activity has no reason to be removed for your weekly routine.
What easy to do workout routines do you like to follow?
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