It’s around this time of year that many of us start to dread baring a bod that has become a little too comfortable with the cover that winter outfits afford.
But, in the rush before the holiday season, finding time to fit in regular exercise can feel like a stress you could do without, right?
What if we told you that fitting more incidental exercise into your day only requires small changes – but that they can end up having a big impact. And the best part – it doesn’t even have to feel like hard work.
Sounds ideal? Here are 6 ways for you to do Easy Fitness Workouts:
1. Calorie-burning catch-ups
Instead of arranging a lunch date or an evening wine with your girlfriends, plan to meet for a walk instead. Put on your sportswear, grab a coffee and walk the beach, discover new parks, head to a gym class or simply hit the pavement and enjoy a goss session along the way.
2. Meetings on the move
Who says meetings need to be confined to the boardroom? Getting outdoors and moving in the fresh air helps creativity flow. So, exchange your heels for some comfortable walking shoes and work out your strategies while you’re working out your body! When you get back to the office, make sure you ditch the elevator and take the stairs instead.
3. Walkie talkies
Grab your phone, call up your bestie and then head out the door for a walk. You’ll be so engrossed in your call that you won’t even notice how long you’ve been on the move – works every time!
4. Class action
Getting active doesn’t have to feel like a chore – it can be fun too! Get involved in local classes like dancing or martial arts, or join a social sports team such as indoor netball or soccer.
5. Get adventurous
Let your kids make a list of fun action-packed weekend activities and then start ticking them off. Discover bike paths, go roller blading, try rock climbing or kayaking, or embrace your inner kid at a trampoline park. If anything, a good laugh will help you burn 10-40 calories!
6. Clean
OK, so this might not actually sound like ‘fun’ but you might be more inclined to get the mop out if you know that it’s burning through calories at the same time. Just doing the vacuuming should see you lose on average 120 calories in 30 minutes. So, crank your favourite tunes and get dustin’!
Prioritise your well-being
The trick is to stop thinking about exercise as a drag. It shouldn’t be something that you do when you happen to have time, but something that you prioritise in your day.
To do this, set yourself incremental goals and challenges. There are plenty of smartphone apps you can download that will help you track your progress and keep you motivated. Or, join an online community like the one offered by fitness expert, Michelle Bridges. Reap the benefits of on-going advice, recipes and support from like-minded ladies.
Don’t forget to reward yourself when you achieve your milestones – new fitness workout gear is a particularly awesome treat to work towards. Online shopping makes this easy – simply find something you love and put it on your wishlist. When you’ve reached your goal, head to the checkout. You’ll be so excited about your new threads that you’ll actually be looking forward to that next workout!
