With a busy schedule, frantic family life and little down time, it's easy to see why so many Americans don't get the 60 minutes of physical activity each day that is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A lack of motivation isn't always what keeps you from getting the activity that you need, but you may need simple tips for physical fitness to help you sneak in easy ways to stay fit even with the busiest of schedules to help get you moving on the path to well-being.
Get a Dog
A 2015 study published in the "Health Promotion Journal of Australia," completed by the Auckland University of Technology, found that people with dogs who walked them daily were more physically fit and gained more exercise daily. Getting a medium- to large-sized dog that needs to be exercised daily can help give you incentive to get out at least once a day to walk and sneak in a little exercise after dinner each night. It's an ideal and easy way to get extra cardiovascular activity in each day.
Keep Your Shoes On
Lace up a pair of clean running shoes in the beginning of each day. Don't take them off even when you are around the house. You may decide to have an indoor and outdoor pair, but wearing shoes in the house can prevent you from doing sedentary things, like sitting on the couch to watch television or taking a mid-afternoon nap. They may even inspire you to walk up and down the stairs while talking on the phone or try squats while you stir a pot on the stove.
Mix It Up
If you get in a rut with your fitness routine, you may be more likely to stop it altogether out of pure boredom. The Mayo Clinic recommends mixing up your routine and trying new things that can help you attain a greater level of fitness while still doing something that you enjoy. Taking a dance class, training for a marathon or even heading to the mall to walk and window shop can help jump start your fitness routine and infuse new life into it.
Stop Using Email
Email is a convenient way to keep in touch with coworkers, to be sure, but it may also be making you unnecessarily lazy. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends walking to talk to a coworker, even if she is on another floor, rather than picking up the phone or shooting off an email. Walking and climbing stairs can help you burn calories and promotes heart health through cardiovascular activity. It's an easy way to stay fit when you are at the rather sedentary atmosphere of your office.
Set a Goal
Set fitness goals for yourself, complete with rewards and consequences. If you are hoping to lose a few pounds, buy a swimsuit for yourself in a smaller size and give yourself six weeks to drop one size. If you are able to meet your goal, your reward is to wear a new swimsuit with pride. If you failed to meet your goal, try again for the next six weeks. Set a schedule and a date where your goals should be met so you feel more incentive to stay fit. Just make sure they are healthy and attainable goals that are recommended by your health care provider.