Do you find yourself desperately trying to live a more healthy and active life, but struggle to find the time to do it? Well, as frustrating as this may be, the good news is that you’re not alone.
In a recent study, one in three adults in the UK are not getting enough exercise – this means that just two thirds of the adult population across the country are living a fit and active life. There are a number of reasons as to why people don’t get enough exercise, and a busy life is one of them. That’s why we’ve put together these ten fitness hacks that are guaranteed to make your life easier. Give ’em a try. You’ll be amazed by what you can achieve.
Triple your stairs running
Try it – it’ll only take you a few seconds longer, but you may actually break a sweat! Every time you run up the stairs, go back down and up again. Likewise, if you’re heading down in the morning, nip back up and down again all in one go. This means that you are increasing your steps on the stairs 300%. Do that a few times a day, and you’re on your way to incorporating fitness hacks in your everyday life.
Take a lunchtime walk
It’s easy to crash out during an office lunch break, or even not leave your desk at all. Force yourself to get outside and get some fresh air. Even if you don’t have a huge amount to explore around your place of work, take the time to get some steps in. Walk to the end of the street and back, and enjoy checking out the distance you’ve achieved when your FitBit starts congratulating you!
Walk at work rather than call internally
In a big office, it’s too easy to pick up the phone and put a call through to the other department; make a conscious effort to communicate face to face instead. Get up and make your way up or down the stairs and across the building to get the message to your colleague. It’s surprising how little changes such as this can have an impact.
Jog to the gym
If you’re already using a gym after work, why not just take a little longer and jog there? Not only are you working up a sweat as a warmup, you’re also getting more exercise on an evening which you’ve already dedicated to fitness. It’s a no brainer.
Switch up your office chair for an exercise ball
It takes some getting used to, but now that we’re entering into the 2020s, it’s time to get creative and mix it up a little in work. Sitting on an exercise (or balance) ball carries with it a number of benefits, but you’ll find yourself activating key muscle groups that would otherwise remain dormant day to day. Try it for one or two days a week and see how you get on – if you like it, make it a regular thing and build up that core strength whilst your squirrelling away, clearing your email inbox!
Cycle instead of driving
Ditch the car and jump on a bike instead. Not only will you save money, but you’ll soon find that you’re getting in some valuable exercise time when you’d normally be stuck behind the wheel of a car. Depending on your commute, you may even find that cycling gets you to work quicker than driving – and you’ll be burning calories at the same time. It’s a win-win as far as we’re concerned.
Have a snack drawer
Yes, that’s right. Have a snack drawer! This one may come as a surprise, but it’s perfectly OK to have a draw full of snacks – as long as they are healthy ones! Have nuts and fruit to hand. Not only will this stave off your cravings for crisps and chocolate, you’ll find that energy foods will give you a new lease of life when you exercise after work.
Get the family involved
If you’re looking to improve your overall fitness through lifestyle changes, you don’t have to do it alone. Get the whole family involved, and encourage each other to come up with creative and fun ways to increase your daily exercise.
Laugh more
This one is perhaps the most enjoyable of all our hacks.
Healthy body, healthy mind – and vice versa. Stay positive and enjoy every day – the more you feel positive, the more you’ll push yourself to hit the treadmill and achieve your best potential.
Jenkins Soft Tissue Therapy offers a range of sports massage and remedial therapy treatments designed to empower you to achieve your physical best. Contact us to find out more about our range of treatments and book your initial appointment and free consultation today.
