Easy Ways to Incorporate Movement Into Your Daily Routine

Before we even get started, let us start out by saying that we believe any exercise is good exercise. The notion "if you aren't in a gym 3 hours a day, then you aren't active" is one that we don't subscribe to here at Metabolic Research Center. But for so many, the idea that "I don't have the time/money/health to go to a gym" can sometimes equate to "I don't have time to exercise." We're here to tell you that it's simply not true! If you're out of bed, then you've got the opportunity to exercise! But, we know that for many it can be difficult knowing where to start.

Spending just five minutes a day contracting and working your muscles is five more minutes than what you were doing...so, we say start small! Having an end goal in mind can be a great motivator (e.g., "I want to participate in a 5k in six months"), but you don't go from walking to the mailbox to finishing a 5k overnight! Setting smaller, mini-goals can be very helpful in building up an exercise or movement regimen. You will have more energy and you will be in control of your life.  You can exercise just about anywhere! Walking is a perfectly healthy and good form of exercise. It’s simple and easy and accessible to the majority. Take a stroll around your neighborhood each night after work or find other creative ways to get your steps in. Park in a parking space at the end of the parking lot or take the stairs instead of taking the elevator. 

Let's say you have no interest in building up to any kind of regular running routine? That's fine! There are countless other ways to be active outside of a pair of tennis shoes on pavement. Think about what you enjoy - maybe it's dancing, bicycling, bowling, or roller skating. It's your body and your choice of activity - and the sky is the limit! Get your heart pumping and make it fun! Put on your favorite tunes and dance your butt off in your living room! Put on a pair of rollerblades and take a few laps up and down your driveway or head out to a park. Love to shop? Go to the mall and take a stroll through your favorite stores. Go to the Y and swim some leisurely laps in the pool. Finding activities and ways to move that you actually enjoy is the key to developing a healthy regimen that you'll feel motivated to stick with. 

Not keen on leaving the house right now or you don't have time to do activities outside of the house? That's okay, too because you can even exercise while watching your favorite television show! During commercials, try using hand weights, doing sit ups, or just simply walking in place until your show comes back on. You will be surprised how much exercise you can get in during a two hour movie or a 30 minute show.

So, what are you waiting for? Get up, and get moving! By making movement a part of your daily routine, you'll start to look better, feel better, and even have more energy. So go ahead, and give it a try today! Remember, the only way you can fail is by simply not doing it - the rest is up to you, and you are so worth it!