It’s Self Care month here at NPUK – and exercise is one of the things that keeps cropping up. Despite the constant slew of people ranting and raving about New Year New Me, there is a significant portion of the population who don’t consider a perfect day starting with setting an alarm before the sun comes up so that you can gym it before working 9-5.
Plenty of people have a hard time getting that motivation, they know they should do something…but exactly what seems elusive. Add to this how pressed for time we all are with work, social time, clinical appointments and everything else, and it’s easy to put it on the back burner. Listen, it’s okay to not be a fan of working out, but that doesn’t mean you have to avoid all exercise, as this list of six possible options shows:
1. It doesn’t have to be a massive bodypump workout.
If the idea of going for a hike or a bike ride sounds too intense for you, plenty of people forget that walking is one of the best workouts you can do! Take advantage of the great outdoors…even just walking your dog can be exercise-worthy.
Taking a 10-minute walk daily has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety, and it’s even better when that walk happens outside. But if you’ve only got time to do a few laps around your office building, that works too.
2. Plenty of house chores count as workouts!
Not many of us like house chores, but the truth of the matter is that you can totally turn routine chores into exercise, totally crushing the productivity game. Cleaning the house, carrying laundry up and down stairs, and hauling heavy shopping bags inside all count, and since you’ve gotta do it anyway, you may as well reap the body benefits while you’re at it.
Staying active at home or while you’re running errands might feel like torture, but it’s so much better for you than spending all that time slouched on the sofa. Tackling a half hour’s worth of chores, whether it’s doing some spring cleaning or sprucing up your garden, is a sneaky yet effective way to get your fitness on without leaving the house.
3. Just keep swimming.
If you have access to a pool, you might wanna slip on your swimsuit, because swimming is a great full-body workout for many reasons. It’s low-impact, so you run little risk for achy joints, even if you’re a beginner or have tender spots.
Swimming offers something no other aerobic exercise does — the ability to work all the major muscle groups without harsh impact to your skeletal system. Every kick and every arm stroke becomes a resistance exercise — which is the best way to increase overall fitness, strength, flexibility, and muscular endurance, enabling you to re-sculpt your body. Plus, it can be relaxing to just get your body in the water, but you can also get your heart rate way up by swimming laps or doing interval training, sans sweat, like you would in an out-of-water workout. Swimming is not only fun, it’s a great way to switch up your normal routine, so grab those goggles and dive on in.
4. Dance it out.
There’s a reason why Zumba is so popular, becoming one of the top fitness trends of the past decade: because it’s not only fun, but it’s a really good workout. But if you’re intimidated by the idea of dancing in front of others, worried about having rhythm or nailing the steps, don’t be…you can totally get your boogie on by yourself in the comfort of your own home!
Exercise can and should be fun, and it doesn’t have to be so serious. So if taking time each day to rock out in your bedroom makes you happy, go for it. Crank up those cheesy tunes and dance it out.
5. Jump into YouTube.
Most of us are already tethered to our devices anyway, so why not use your phone to help get you fit? These days, there are so many fantastic YouTube tutorials out there with experienced personal trainers and fitness enthusiasts who are more than ready to offer their top tips (usually for free!)
Virtual coaches through apps and websites can also be implemented to help keep you accountable, and can also ensure you keep up with the hottest fitness trends without trying to squeeze classes in on your most hectic days. But if you prefer a no-frills, equipment-free workout, there are endless options out there to try…like most things these days, they are only a Google search away…
6. Could it be? A fun…run?
Those who loathe physical exercise may not love this idea at first glance, but these days, there are plenty of fun organised events that people of all fitness levels can participate in…even if you are ordinarily against running!
From colour runs, blacklight runs, and electric runs to muddy obstacle courses and beer festivals (yes really), most cities have events throughout every season, so do a little searching online to find a fun run or a fitness challenge that appeals to you.
Best of luck everyone!
