Sneaking in extra exercise increases your calorie burn without taking up large chunks of time in your busy schedule. The sneaky exercises also make the workout seem less difficult and boring, making it easier to maintain. The short bursts of physical activity throughout the day add up to a healthier lifestyle with potential weight-loss benefits.
Stay on Your Feet
The more time you spend sitting down, the fewer calories you burn. Stay on your feet as much as possible throughout the day. If you notice yourself sitting down, stand up and walk around the block or tackle chores around the house. Even activities that are normally sedentary give you a chance to sneak in some exercise. Do a few squats while you're talking on the phone with a friend or do strength moves with hand weights while you watch TV.
Create a Fit Home
A fit environment gives you easier access to exercise opportunities. When you create an exercise-friendly environment, you may find that you engage in exercise more without even realizing it. Keep inexpensive pieces of exercise equipment such as dumbbells, resistance bands, yoga mats or stability balls around the house. Place objects at different heights to encourage reaching and stretching. Keep electronics that encourage a sedentary lifestyle hidden. For example, place the computer in a quiet corner or a room where you are able to close the door.
Multitask
Handle a chore you need to complete while getting in your workout to make the exercise seem less strenuous. Take care of your dog's needs while meeting your own physical needs by walking him regularly. Help out a neighbor by walking her dog at the same time. Handle your own yard work, including mowing, weeding and shoveling snow, to burn calories and save money. Walk to the store to pick up the last-minute items you forgot. Make as many of your chores as active as possible.
Volunteer
Volunteering in an active way allows you to contribute to your community while squeezing in extra exercise. Irrespective of whether you have children on the team, volunteer to coach a youth sports team. Habitat for Humanity is an organization that allows you to help build or renovate houses for low-income families. Local food banks often need volunteers to sort and organize the food. All of these volunteer opportunities get you moving without feeling like a workout.
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