DreamBody Life Hack: 7 Ways to Squeeze Exercise Into Your Busy Life

One of the most common New Years Resolutions is to lose weight and become healthier. As we hit the mid point in January, many of us are also likely close to abandoning those resolutions. In this busy modern world it can often be difficult to find the time to exercise, but don’t be discouraged. Here are 7 ways you can incorporate exercise into your daily routine.

1. Turn your commute into a workout
   Depending on how far away you live from work you may be able to jog home instead of taking the bus or train. However, if your commute is too far for that, consider either getting off the bus a few stops early (either on your way to the office or on your way home) and walking the extra distance. If you drive to work, consider parking farther from the office and walking the extra distance. The Canadian government recommends adults get 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity per week. Though that may sound like a lot, it only works out to 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week. Add a 15 minute walk to your commute each day and you can tackle that 150 minutes each week easily.


2. Get up early
   By waking up earlier in the morning you will give yourself time to squeeze in a quick workout before heading to work. You shouldn’t sacrifice sleep for a workout, but try going to bed earlier so that you can still get up early for your workout while still getting a full night’s rest. You can even make it easy for yourself and go to sleep in your workout clothes. That way when you get up you can fit in a bit of cardio or weight training right away before hopping in the shower before work.


3. Sneak in a lunchtime workout
   Instead of spending your 60 minutes at your desk looking at cat photos or surfing social media try hitting the gym or going for a walk. Not only will this help you achieve your fitness and weight loss goals but it will also increase your productivity and get you away from your desk and all that sitting. Don’t want to miss out on socializing? Recruit a co-worker and spend your lunch hour walking together.


4. Get up and move
   Instead of sending an email to the guy across the hall or picking up the phone to talk to someone on another floor, walk over to a co-worker's desk if you need to have a quick meeting. If meetings are a regular part of your day, see if you can organize walking meetings. The movement and fresh air will help you and your co-workers feel more relaxed and refreshed and the change in pace and surroundings could help inspire more creative and productive thinking.


5. Don’t just wait in line
   Whether you are waiting to buy lunch or grabbing groceries after work you can turn your wait into a mini workout. Do lunges, toe raises and squats while you wait.


6. No more couch potato
   Just because you are watching your favourite show doesn’t mean you should just sit on the couch like a lump. Clear some space between the couch and the TV so you can do push-ups, crunches, jumping jacks and squats. If you own a treadmill or other home workout machine consider moving your TV or computer so that you can watch while you work out.


7. Take the stairs
   This seems like a fairly simple one, but it can have a huge impact if you do it regularly. If you don’t work on the ground floor, consider skipping the elevator and taking the stairs. If you work on a high floor or the task seems daunting, consider taking the elevator part way and then walking, or only letting yourself take the elevator if you are going up.

DreamBody is Calgary’s premier choice for weight loss and fitness training. For more information contact us today at 403.612.3538 and visit paulanthony.ca.