Exercise Doesn't Just Happen at the Gym

We all know how important it is to keep our bodies moving. However, with busy schedules and stressful days it can be hard to find time (and motivation) to fit in a trip to the gym. Fortunately, there are plenty of things we can do throughout the day to keep our bodies moving to burn some extra calories.

10 ways to get moving that does not require a gym

  1. Take the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator. (If you work or live on a high floor and can’t make it the whole way, go as far as you can, every little bit helps!)

  2. Park in the back of the lot or a few blocks away

  3. Get up every hour and take a lap around the office or home, or even better, around the block

  4. If you take public transportation, get off one stop early and walk the rest of the way

  5. Have anything heavy at your desk? Do some bicep curls while on a call

  6. Choose the water fountain or bathroom that is on the opposite side of the office, or if possible, on a different floor

  7. Do some lunges around your house (even if it’s just from the couch to the kitchen)

  8. If the weather is nice, go for a walk after dinner instead of going straight to the couch. This will help you digest and get in those extra steps. (I like to grab my phone and also use this time to catch up and connect with friends or family)

  9. There are plenty of body weight exercises you can do at home. While watching TV or reading instead of lounging on the couch do some push-ups, squats, standing lunges, sit-ups or just hold plank. Turn TV time into a game and make yourself do 10 reps of an exercise during each commercial break or see if you can hold that plank through the whole break

  10. Tidy up! Cleaning your house, even for a half hour, is a great way to burn some extra calories. 30 minutes of household chores can burn anywhere from 60-100 calories.