Looking for ways to add exercise into your work day over the summer months? See the four helpful tips below to add fun and movement into your day!
Burn Calories 24/7 with N.E.A.T.
N.E.A.T. is a little acronym for a big term: Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis. It just means “burning calories without exercise”. You can burn HUNDREDS of extra calories a day just by intentionally getting a little more activity. An easy way to do this is to incorporate activity into every aspect of your daily life.
For example:
- Climb the stairs instead of taking the elevator
- Ride your bike to the store and on errands
- Go for a walk while catching up with a friend
- Park further from the store or your office building
Take every opportunity to add a few extra steps or extra activity into your day. All movement—not just dedicated exercise time—matters!
Use Your Time Wisely
Not able to allocate 60 minutes – or even 30 minutes – to working out? Not a problem!
Add activity into your day – while waiting for the kids to finish piano lessons; in between meetings or errands, while visiting with a friend, etc. Be conscious of those times when you could be doing something, and then just do it. Go for a quick jog around the building or walk with a friend instead of sitting for a cup of coffee. It all adds up and there are always opportunities to move more.
Store your Shoes
Keep a pair of comfortable walking or running shoes at work so you can be ready to exercise! Invite co-workers to walk with you over lunch or challenge yourself to create your own walking route.
If you need to get groceries after work, put on your sneakers; you’ll probably walk a little longer and a little more briskly. Or, stow them in your car so you can walk around the field while your child is at soccer practice. Put them on at the mall and do a lap before you start your shopping.
Build Strong Bones
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, one in two women and one in four men age 50 and above will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Being physically active and fit can protect against osteoporosis by increasing bone strength.
Walking, running, lifting weights, jumping and other weight-bearing exercises not only build your muscles but also build your bones!