Being well aware of the health benefits of exercise doesn’t make a 6am run or a sweaty gym session more appealing for many of us. Often a lack of time, energy or money seems to prevent us from working out.
But exercise should - and can - work around our busy schedules, limited budgets and daily fatigue.
Here are twenty ways to exercise without really having to think about it - and you may even have some fun at the same time!
#1 Take the Stairs
A bit of a cliché, but taking the stairs is a great way of doing exercise without noticing. It takes very little time, costs you absolutely nothing, and can make a real difference to your health if you regularly commit to avoiding the allure of the elevator.
#2 Choose Inconvenience
The modern world has evolved to lessen the burden of inconvenience, but foregoing modern convenience (even a little bit) can actually help you to do exercise without realising it.
Park in the furthest parking space, get off the bus one stop earlier, pick the longest line at the checkout, opt for a basket instead of a trolley. It’s like taking the stairs but many more times a day and in varied ways.
#3 Walk
Walk as much as possible. Whether it’s walking to the shop instead of driving, taking the long way around, or foregoing your short-distance Uber, all those steps add up.
#4 Seek Adventure in the Great Outdoors
Actively seek adventure out in the fresh air. Many of the activities we do while out in nature are really healthy for our bodies and minds, and often don’t feel like exercise. Hiking, orienteering and rock climbing are just some of the fun active ways of exploring the great outdoors.
#5 Walking meetings
Having work meetings while on the move will increase your step count without you even noticing and will help you feel more inspired and refreshed. Enjoy your meetings out in the fresh air if possible for added health and wellbeing benefits.
Equally walking around whenever you speak to someone on the phone will help you to be more active.
#6 Standing Desks and Active Seating
Avoiding the sedentary lifestyle which many of our jobs encourage can be tricky. But investing in a standing desk (or simply a makeshift box or pile of books) or in active seating solutions can ensure that you move around more, change your posture regularly and use your leg muscles.
FlexiSpot’s Height Adjustable Wobble Stool BH2
#7 Swim
Swimming can be a therapeutic form of exercise, and even slow swimming succeeds in working multiple muscles in the body simultaneously.
#8 Dance
If you like your exercise upbeat and energising, trial some dance classes (virtual or in-person) in different styles. Equally, going out dancing with friends or on a date is a great way to fit in hours of exercise (and socialising!) without the gloom of a gym.
#9 Play Ball
Go back to the days when a ball was enough to keep you entertained for hours. Invite some friends to play catch at the park or for a kick around in a local field.
Or if your throwing skills leave a little to be desired, try frisbee. Good aim is not a requirement for frisbee and running after your long throws will help to keep you fit too!
#10 Skip, Hop and Hula Hoop
Revisit the games you played as a child. Trampolining, hula hooping, jump rope and hopscotch are all games that will make adults (as well as children) smile while burning the calories and toning muscles.
#11 Yoga
Yoga can be an excellent light form of exercise which helps to build flexibility, strength, coordination and general fitness all without you breaking out into a sweat.
#12 Team Sports
Team sports are a great way to connect with others, have fun and keep fit. There are team sports for everyone, from basketball and soccer to horse riding or skating.
#13 Active Socialising
Turn your social events into active socials, with bowling, laser tag, paintball, mini golf, or even active board games like Twister.
#14 Pedal
Get stuff done while toning your legs with a desk bike - or get outside and watch the world go by on a bicycle.
FlexiSpot’s Cycle Desk Bike V9 Pro
#15 Skating
If the repetitive circular motion of pedalling feels dreary to you, why not take up skating. Roller skating, ice skating and skateboarding are all very beneficial exercises.
#16 Cleaning
Giving your house a top-to-bottom clean can actually be a great form of exercise. Cleaning streaky windows, polishing the surfaces, and scrubbing stains on your oven door all work your muscles effectively - and you will also end up with a clean house!
#17 Shopping
That trip to the supermarket or the mooch around town with your friends is exercise too! On your shopping trips employ the inconvenience tactics of tip #2 - park far away, carry your purchases, avoid the elevators, wait in longer queues, and take the excuse to go into many shops.
#18 Sightseeing
Play the tourist in your local area and get exploring. You will discover all sorts of hidden gems on your walks.
#19 On the Water
Exercise on the water by taking up rowing, stand-up paddle-boarding, or kayaking. The carefree atmosphere of being out on the water will make you forget your hatred of strenuous exercise.
#20 Lawn Games
Next time you are hosting, why not play some casual lawn games. Skittles, croquet, horseshoes and boules are just some of the many lawn games which will add to your gathering and ensure you have fun while exercising.
