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Adding exercise to an already too-long to-do list is overwhelming. And when you’re overwhelmed, the odds of completing that movement diminish. Don’t underestimate the impact of increasing exercise throughout the day. According to a paper published in Nature Medicine, small bursts of movement (even those you wouldn’t necessarily think of as exercise) can help reduce the risk of disease. Instead of resolving to go from zero to 60 on your health journey, how about committing to more movement throughout the day? To get you started, here are some of our favorite ways to do that. 

Take the stairs

Whether you’re headed to an appointment or stuck at home, take a couple of laps up and down the stairs. There’s no need to take the elevator if your appointment is on the second or third floor (active folks can walk up more flights of stairs). At home, stand up and walk up and down the stairs during a commercial break of your favorite sporting event or show. If you’re streaming a movie, hit pause every 30 minutes and take a step break. 

Add movement any chance you get

Intentionally add movement to your regular routine. Park farther away from the grocery store entrance, walk around the park when your kids are at practice, and do 10-15 push-ups or jumping jacks every time you get a glass of water, add standing calf raises when you are waiting in line.

Balance exercises

If you have a Zoom meeting or business phone call, turn off the camera and complete some standing balancing exercises. Improving your balance is a fantastic way to prevent falls as you age. Good balance is certainly not something any of us should take for granted, and it’s never too late to start improving it. 

Seated exercise

Many of us are stuck behind a desk during the workday, but that doesn’t mean we can’t move. Consider investing in a standing desk, a walking pad so you can have extra steps when you’re behind your computer, or even an under-the-desk pedal unit. Plenty of other seated exercises require no new equipment, such as arm circles, toe taps and touches, crunches, and more. 

Cardio and chores? 

Most people wouldn’t say they loved to clean, but when you combine your cleaning with cardio, you’re getting two things done for the price of one. Exaggerate your cleaning movements to add more heart-pumping activity when vacuuming, scrubbing, and mopping. Do a few squats when you’re loading and unloading the dishwasher or washer/dryer. 

Our team at Taylor Pilates and Fitness would love to help you move well, feel well, and live well. Our functional fitness, Pilates, and OOV sessions are a wonderful complement to adding additional exercise throughout the day. Set up your introductory session today by calling or texting 303-472-6743.