Quick Workout for Those That Hate Exercise
Even if you know that physical activity is good for your health, not everyone embraces the act of exercising. You might loathe the idea of going to a gym, breaking a sweat or purchasing exercise clothes and equipment. However, according to the National Institute of Health, even small amounts of activity, such as walking for 10 minutes per day, can boost your health and increase your life expectancy by approximately two years.
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Use a Pedometer
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Many people have a daily routine that revolves around sitting in a car, working at a desk and relaxing at home on the couch. If you dislike exercise and fear changing your schedule too much, remember that it is most important to start small. A strenuous workout could lead to discouragement, therefore slowly implement more physical activities into your life. A good way to track your daily activity is by acquiring a step counter, also known as a pedometer. This small gadget clips onto your clothing and counts each step -- aim for 10,000 steps a day. Change your routine to include a walk at lunch time, parking the car further than usual and frequently getting up from your desk.
Stairs and Bike
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In an effort to make our modern lives easier, many conveniences such as automobiles, elevators and leaf blowers have become everyday necessities. Unfortunately, these labor and time savers may be doing more harm than good to our physical health. A good opportunity for a workout exists whenever you choose to bike instead of drive, climb the stairs and avoid the elevator, or utilize an old fashioned rake in the place of a leaf blower. Climbing the stairs at your office or committing to ride your bike two times per week, can easily become a regular work out. Consider different types of recreational choices as well, such as hiking a trail instead of riding an all terrain vehicle.
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Jump and Walk
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The most important part of any workout is continuing weekly and not giving up. MayoClinic.com encourages setting small and realistic exercise goals, as you are much more likely to continue with a short regime instead of attempting a long, dreary work out session. If long walks or jogging around town seems daunting, commit to 20-minute daily walks instead. Carrying heavy items up and down the stairs can be considered a short work out, as can cleaning a barn or moving furniture.
Dance and Climb
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One of the main reasons people claim to hate exercise is because they feel it is arduous and boring. Changing your mind set is important, as there are many exciting activities you can try that qualify as good exercise workouts. An 180-pound person can burn as many as 300 calories in a half-hour of climbing hills, canoeing rapidly, cross-country skiing or fast dancing. Many team sports are great workouts, including basketball, soccer or volleyball. If you have children or a dog, incorporate their enthusiasm for movement and play into your routine. Considering physical activity a joyful experience, not something to dread, will help you stay motivated and on the move.
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