How to Turn Everyday Activities Into a Workout

Some people find regular exercise a chore that they’d rather avoid. However, you can’t deny the great benefits of staying active and keeping fit. Rather than planning regular workouts, those that don’t like structured exercise can incorporate exercise into their daily activities. In this article, we take a look at several ways in which you can turn every day's activities into a workout.

Switch up your commute

Commuting to their place of work is something that many people do on a daily basis. Making changes to the way you commute can help you to increase the amount you exercise. For some people biking to work could be an alternative option to driving or using public transport. Cycling is a great way to stay fit and save money on your commute. If biking isn’t an option, you could try walking some or part of the way to work. Get off your bus a few stops early and walk the rest of the way or park further away in the car park. Even these little bits of exercise can add up and help you maintain a better overall level of fitness.

Shopping 

Shopping for groceries and other essentials is something we all need to do regularly. You can use your regular shopping trips as an opportunity to do some extra physical activity. Instead of taking a shopping trolley around the supermarket, use a basket to hold your items. You may need to take several trips into the shop, but this will increase the amount you walk, and the weight of the shopping will give you more of a workout. When parking, choose a spot furthest away from the supermarket and carry your bags by hand back to your car. You can even walk home with your shopping bags if you live close enough. To get some extra exercise, you can do some reps with your shopping bags on the way back to the car or your home. 

Adjustable desk

If you work from home, it can be hard to fit exercise into your day; you might find you spend most of your time sitting down and looking at the screen. To improve your activity levels, you can get yourself an adjustable desk which you can use sitting down or standing up. Some people even place their desks over a treadmill so they can walk and run whilst working. If you do this, always have a sports water bottle on hand to make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day. Also, keep an eye on your work and the level of output you achieve when running or walking. Some people might find it hard to keep up with their regular level of work activity when running or walking at the same time. 

Dance when making dinner

Making dinner often involves lots of standing around and waiting; instead of sitting down during this idle time, you can use this time to work out. Dancing is a great way to work out, and it can be done without any equipment. Put on your favourite songs and get dancing around your kitchen. You might be surprised at how many calories you can burn when you're dancing rather than sitting and waiting for your dinner to cook. Dancing is also a great way to boost your mood and can turn a regular day into a great day. You can also dance when you’re waiting for other things in your day-to-day life, for example, the washing machine to finish or when you’re waiting for your TV programme to start, instead of watching the adverts. 

When you think about your daily routine, you’ll find many opportunities where you can increase your physical activity. If you regularly take the lift, choose the stairs instead, or walk to the local shops instead of driving. Each of these activities might not seem like a lot, but together, they can help improve your physical fitness. Prioritising exercise as part of your daily routine can also change your mindset. You may find yourself looking for more ways to up your activity level, which could lead to you signing up for the gym or an exercise class in your local area. 

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