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It is no secret that as we age, it becomes increasingly more difficult to find the motivation to exercise. Let’s face it, exercising can be a drag. It’s hard to find the motivation to get up and move when you’d rather just stay in your comfortable clothes on the couch. We become busier with work and family obligations, and before we know it, years have passed since we last worked out.
As a personal trainer for over 20 years, I’ve heard every excuse in the book as to why people don’t exercise. “I don’t have time.” “It’s too hard.” “I don’t like how I feel when I’m doing it.” The list goes on and on.
However, getting older doesn’t mean we have to give up on our fitness goals. There are plenty of ways to get in a good workout without feeling like we’re exercising. Here are just a few tips:
Find an activity you enjoy
If you don’t enjoy what you’re doing, you’re not going to want to do it for very long. There are tons of different ways to get active, so find one that suits your interests and personality. If you like being outdoors, try hiking or cycling. If you prefer being indoors, try a dance or yoga class. The options are endless!
Set small goals
Trying to lose 50 pounds in two months is a daunting task that is likely to discourage even the most dedicated fitness enthusiast. However, setting smaller goals such as losing 5 pounds in a month is much more achievable and will keep you motivated to stick with your workout routine.
Make it social
Working out with friends or family members can make the experience much more enjoyable and help you stay on track. Plus, it’s always more fun to achieve fitness goals together!
Take the stairs instead of the elevator
This is a great way to get in some extra steps and get your heart rate up without feeling like you’re exercising. Taking the stairs offers a number of benefits that you might not be aware of. First of all, walking up a flight of stairs is a great way to get your heart rate up and get some exercise, even if you don’t have time for a full workout. Secondly, taking the stairs can help to improve your balance and coordination. And finally, climbing stairs can give you a mental boost by increasing your level of concentration and focus. So next time you’re given the option, think twice before you head for the elevator. Your body will thank you for it!
Park your car at the back of the parking lot
Where you park your car can make a big difference in how healthy you are. Whether you’re running errands or going to work, parking your car a little bit farther away than usual will force you to walk more, which is great exercise. And bonus points if you can avoid using the parking garage altogether!
This extra walking might not seem like much, but it can add up over time. Walking can help to improve your cardiovascular health, and it is also a great way to strengthen your leg muscles. In addition, walking can help to boost your mood and reduce stress levels. So next time you’re heading to the mall or the grocery store, take a few extra steps and park at the back of the lot. Your body will thank you for it.
Go for a walk after dinner
Walking after dinner is a great way to help digest your food and get in some extra steps. Studies show that going for a walk after eating can actually help you burn more calories and improve your digestion. So, if you’re looking for a way to get in some extra steps without feeling like you’re working out, go for a post-dinner stroll. Not only will you boost your metabolism, but you’ll also get some fresh air and quality time with your family or pets. And, who knows, you might even enjoy it so much that you make it a nightly habit!
Get up and move every 20 minutes or so
A sedentary job can take a toll on your body if you’re not careful. If you have a sedentary job, make sure to get up and move around for at least five minutes every 20 minutes or so. This will help increase your blood flow and prevent stiffness and soreness later on.
Do yard work or housework
Yard work and housework are both great ways to get in a little extra activity during the day. So next time you’re feeling lazy, put on some gloves and get to work! You’ll be surprised at how much of a workout you can get just by doing some simple chores around the house.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for ways to get fit without feeling like you’re working out, then try incorporating these three exercises into your life. These may seem like small things, but they make a big difference over time. And, if you can keep up with these three exercises, you’ll start to see results in no time!
So next time you’re feeling lazy, remember that there are plenty of ways to get moving and improve your health without having to go to the gym or go for a run. Just be creative and have fun with it!