When you juggle everything from budgeting and meal planning to work responsibilities and school commitments, you may find that exercise seems more like a good intention than an actual reality in your life. You do not have to abandon fitness goals, though, in the midst of your busy days. Simple, creative exercise options at home can help you and your family stay fit and trim.
Get on the March
Exercise in the midst of everyday activities and chores by marching in place. Emilie Barnes, in "Emilie's Creative Home Organizer," recommends this simple and creative way to add physical activity to your daily routine. She suggests marching in place when talking on the phone, doing dishes, folding laundry or even watching your favorite morning talk show. You can even add marching to your weekly cleaning regimen.
Take Long Ways
Stretch your legs whenever you have the opportunity by looking for long ways instead of short cuts when completing household chores. Barnes suggests, for example, canceling lawn care maintenance and clipping the shrubberies yourself. Or add a brisk walk around the block when mowing the front lawn. You might also find excuses to take to the stairs multiple times during the day.
Add Shower Stretches
Increase your flexibility and limberness by stretching various muscles while showering. Barnes recommends stretching your lower back by pulling in your stomach, bending your knees slightly and bending over at the waist while holding your back straight. To stretch your upper back, wrap your arms around yourself and reach your hands toward the opposite shoulder blade as if you are hugging yourself.
Turn Up the Music
Add uptempo music in the background as you complete household chores. Jorge and Laura Posada, with Bernie Williams, in "Fit Home Team: The Posada Family Guide to Health, Exercise, and Nutrition the Inexpensive and Simple Way," explain that playing music can increase your energy for tasks. You may even find yourself dancing while doing laundry or preparing meals.
Tackle Heavy Chores
Tackling heavy chores on a regular basis can also serve as a combination of aerobic exercise and strength training. Jesse H. Wright and Monica Ramirez Basco, in "Getting Your Life Back: The Complete Guide to Recovery from Depression," recommend planting and gardening, scrubbing floors or cleaning out the garage as creative ways both to add exercise to your schedule and to make your way through your chore list.
Involve Your Family
Include your spouse and your children in your exercise routine. Jourdan Zayles, in "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Working Out at Home," recommends following an exercise video with your kids or spouse, speed cleaning the house together or playing tackle football in the backyard. If you have a baby at home, combine play with exercise, such as doing crunches while holding the baby on your chest.
References
- "Emilie's Creative Home Organizer"; Emilie Barnes; 2005
- "Fit Home Team: The Posada Family Guide to Health, Exercise, and Nutrition the Inexpensive and Simple Way"; Jorge Posada, Laura Posada, Bernie Williams; 2009
- "Getting Your Life Back: The Complete Guide to Recovery From Depression"; Jesse H. Wright, Monica Ramirez Basco; 2002
- "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Working Out at Home"; Jourdan Zayles; 2001
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