Physical activity and movement are probably something you did a lot of as a kid, but did not think about very much. As you have gotten older, however, you may have begun to think about exercising more and may have even dabbled in it a bit, only to stop and then start over again. And so the cycle continues. Well, now you can do something about it. Here are some helpful tips to get you started.
Start with a visit to your healthcare providers.
Before beginning any exercise regimen, it is always helpful to see a medical expert. That way, you can deal with any problems you may have and start off on the right foot, so to speak. Your provider will assess your overall physical health and make any recommendations as necessary.
Next, you should schedule an appointment with an audiologist since physical activity and hearing loss can have a direct effect on one another. When you experience decreased hearing, you might miss cues in a group workout class or be unable to hear your partner during a morning run.
Finally, it is always important to ensure your eyes are in good health. Check in with your eye care provider for a checkup. Order new contacts, glasses, or prescription sunglasses so that you can see the fitness leader at the front of the class or that rock in the road and avoid tripping over it.
Once you have a clean bill of health, you can begin adding more physical movement into each day and live a better life.
Spend time with a dog.
Dogs are one of the greatest things in a person’s life. The good thing is that they will feel exactly the same way about you, too. When you have a dog in your life, you have a built-in reason to get up and move your body every day – actually, multiple times each day. By focusing on your dog’s needs, you will benefit, as well.
Try getting up earlier in the morning than you usually do to go for a walk, or even a run, with your dog. Start out slowly, as needed, and work your way up to a longer session with greater intensity. If you work from home, you can incorporate walks into your day at strategic intervals to get your body moving after sitting for hours. Leash your dog up once again when work is over and get back outside for some fresh air, exercise, and canine companionship.
Of note, if you are not in a position to adopt a dog, consider fostering one at your home. If that is not an option, there are plenty of animal shelters that desperately need volunteers to walk their dogs and give them attention and socialization opportunities. It is a win for everyone.
Take active breaks at work and home.
There will always be little moments throughout each day that are perfect for physical activity; the tough part is identifying them and taking action. Think about your time at the office. You probably have one-on-one meetings with co-workers, maybe you have conference calls, or maybe you have regular meetings a few blocks away. Instead of making these sedentary moments, make them active ones.
Invite your co-worker out for a walking meeting. If the weather is not conducive to going outside, try the building’s stairwell. You can climb and descend as many times as you like while problem-solving. As for the conference calls, the same recommendation applies here; however, you want to ensure your headphones or earbuds have a mute option so you are not audibly huffing and puffing during the call. Alternatively, you can do squats or lunges in your office with the door closed. That meeting nearby – you can always walk.
On to the breaks. If you have co-workers who still smoke and go out for a smoke break, that is your cue to take an exercise break. Once again, a walk is perfect here. Step outside for a few moments, set a timer on your phone, start a language learning app, an audiobook, or a podcast, and lace up your sneakers.
If you work from home or are a stay-at-home parent, add more movement into your day. Walk your dog, as mentioned above, or run around in the yard for a rousing game of tag. Set a timer to climb your stairs every hour just to get the blood flowing. You can also invest in a treadmill or walking pad with a standing desk to move while you work.
Make it a social activity.
Bringing your family and friends into your physical fitness goals is a great idea. You get more social time while fostering connections with the people you enjoy spending time with. In addition, it will probably be a lot more fun.
Gather your favorite people for an after-dinner walking club. Mornings or after work are good times, as well. Meet at the gym one or two days a week to offer support, encouragement, and have a built-in spotter. Try out new classes with your friends. You can giggle together while trying to hold a yoga pose or follow along in a spin class that leaves you exhausted.
Invite your friends and their kids over for a family-friendly game day. Host the event during the day. Gather everyone in your backyard for some fun competition. Assign each family a color and encourage them to wear matching t-shirts to add to the team theme. This should be a fun day where parents do not stand on the sidelines, but instead are encouraged to be part of the fun.
Set up games, such as ring toss, horseshoes, and an ultimate obstacle course. Look for activities that bring back the nostalgia of your youth but are fun for both kids and adults. If you would like, you can create a silly traveling trophy for the winning family and make it an annual event.
Use these helpful suggestions to incorporate more physical movement into each day. Over time, you will feel better about yourself and enjoy your time being active.
The owners of Cinnamon Hollow and many of its authors are not doctors and this is in no way intended to be used as medical advice. We cannot be held responsible for your results. As with any product, service or supplement, use at your own risk. Always do your own research and consult with your personal physician before using.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
