How to Get Exercise Without Even Thinking About It

Everyone knows exercise is essential for good health. Unfortunately, some people don’t like to get active and it can be hard to get motivated to get moving. If you are one of these people then you need to consider activities that are fun and get you moving all at the same time. You need to be able to have fun and simultaneously give your body a workout. Consider the following activities and maybe you can add them to your daily routine.

Walking

One of the best exercises around is walking. The best part of this activity is that it's free and can be done almost anywhere. You just have to find the time to do it.

You can make your walks interesting by walking outside. It can be very relaxing to get out into nature and enjoy a quiet walk alone. If you find that walking is boring you can listen to music. Maybe you have a dog that can go along for company. You might try to find a walking partner. If walking outside isn't possible and you are using a treadmill, consider watching your favorite television show.

Bicycling

A great way to get a good workout is bicycling. You might not even think of it as exercise because cycling is such a fun activity. While it is fun, cycling can require you to really work your muscles.

If you're an avid cyclist then you might consider using a bicycle power meter, which is used to measure your power output. The device will provide you with instant feedback about your power output which can be a motivating source to keep you moving. Riding a bike is easy and almost anyone can do it. Like walking, it is great if you can enjoy the outdoors while riding. If it's too cold where you live you can take a spin class or get a good second-hand stationary bike.

Gardening

One activity that many people find enjoyable, but rarely consider exercise, is gardening. Generally, gardening involves digging, squatting down, getting up again, and using your arms and legs repetitively. Gardening can also involve lawn mowing, which is a great way to get your heart rate up (if you're using a push mower not a ride-on one).

The great thing about gardening is that you don't realize how hard you are working until you've worked up a sweat. And, once you're done you will have a finished product, such as a freshly manicured lawn or a beautiful garden of flowers. When you have a garden that produces delicious fruit and vegetables you will find that this activity is extremely rewarding. You will stay active and also have fresh food to keep you healthy.

Swimming

Going to the pool is a favorite pastime for many families. That's because swimming is fun! Swimming is a low-impact activity that has many physical and mental health benefits. And if you get tired of swimming you can flip over and float on your back. You can take a break any time and tread water for a while. Or, if you are fortunate enough to be in a large pool, you can take advantage of the diving boards and show off your diving skills. You can get hot and cool off at the same time since you're in the water. The possibilities are endless when you spend the day at the pool. Don't forget to take a break from swimming and drink some water. Even if you don't feel thirsty you want to stay hydrated, it provides for a better workout and helps avoid cramps. Swimming can be done all year round, so find your favorite spots and have fun with it. Who hasn't spent the day swimming only to realize later that night how tuckered out they are? It's a workout you truly don't perceive as work!

Household Chores

It seems work around the house is never done. There's constantly laundry to be done. The dishes need to be washed and put away. There's enough dust and fur on the floor to make a sweater. The kids are constantly spilling the stickiest mess they can find so that mopping is essential if you don't want your feet sticking to the floor.

While the above might sound a little exaggerated, it demonstrates that the need for cleaning is constant. Therefore, you might as well turn on the radio or television and clean away. All that motion is giving you a workout whether you know it or not. Cleaning the house is something you have to do anyway, so why not make it fun? Dance with the mop to your favorite song or listen to your favorite television show while you're folding clothes. The great thing about household chores is you can do them any time you are home and there's always something to do. You might need to sit for 5 minutes to take a break, but you'll be back to work because housework is never done and you can even do it at 11-o-clock at night! Think of all the bending, squatting, reaching, etc.

The most important thing to keep in mind is to make sure you don't view exercise as another chore that you dread. Find activities that are fun and you will be up and moving all the time.