Making Time for Fitness
Cannot get exercise ‘squeezed in’ to your demanding busy lifestyle? Sure you can, easily, and here is how.
I have been passionately involved in a healthy and fit lifestyle for over 20 years.
During that course of time, I have coached and trained a lot of people in the ways of a fit and healthy lifestyle.
It is certainly not easy for people to make fitness related activities, or exercise, a habit. Behavioral change is difficult for many at first, even though you know it is exactly what you need.
For those of us who love exercise, this behavior comes naturally.
Just feeling better and more energetic from exercise is well worth the time and effort to do it. Looking healthier and fit is certainly a nice side item though, and eventually comes with the package.
In my own personal poll of why people do not exercise, the story never changes. The common complaint many people have is that they do not have time for exercise.
If that is the case for you - no problem. I have a method for all to easily include ‘exercise’ to the daily routine. Much of this is based on the very actions you have to take anyway.
The key is to be creative and put yourself into more action!
Put yourself into action at the workplace
Yes, this can apply very easily at the workplace. Best of all, getting into more action while at work will actually make you more productive at your job. Imagine that, a healthy boost that will also make your work productivity go up.
Energize yourself, maximize your metabolism, and increase productivity in all aspects of your life.
So how can you squeeze in activity while at work? If you are sitting, then do just that – start ‘squeezing’ that is.
While sitting, it is very easy (and relatively unnoticeable) to move from head to toe, quickly squeezing (or flexing) your muscles. Now I do not mean actually moving through any great range of motion here. If you can, that’s great. Just a simple little flex though, is all you need.
What does this seemingly small task that may only take a moment or two going to accomplish? It is all about preventing your body from becoming dormant, slowing down. When we sit for too long without moving our metabolism likes to slow down and take it easy. That means everything slows down, including fat burning.
It is a physiological fact that when we go too long without any stimulating movement, fat burning processes in the body slow down. This usually goes hand in hand with a drop in energy levels and mental alertness.
Little things all add up in the grand scheme of you feeling more energetic. The more energetic you are, the more likely you will be to put some more efforts in your exercise or activity level.
Fitness can be fun! One key is simply to put yourself into action. Don’t stand or sit idle for any great length.
You can always stretch your muscles out to keep them in tune and receptive, even at your desk sitting. Do some leg extensions in your chair at work. Move through your body, head to toe, and do a quick flexing and stretching routine.
Press the balls of your feet against the floor and flex those calves. The idea is to keep your blood flowing. Keep your oxygen levels up with good breathing and keep your circulation activated.
When we sit too long at work without moving, the body, and metabolism has a tendency to slow down. This reduces fat burning, and reduces energy levels. The metabolism and muscles begin to become dormant. Get up and take a brisk walk every 45 minutes, and if you can’t, exercise at your seat.
Breathe. All day long we sit and do not really breathe. Take a moment several times throughout your day a focus on taking in a few deep breaths. Really fill the lungs with air. A few deep breaths can help relieve tension, keep the oxygen levels nice and high, and revitalize you.
Sit up straight, put yourself in good posture, and suck in that stomach! Try that once an hour and you will be amazed at how much better you will feel.
Relieve stress, ‘tap’ away tension
I have what I call a ‘5 minute coffee break boost’ that you can perform right at your desk, never leaving your seat.
The ‘5 minute coffee break’ can be seen in full from this blog. Look under videos in the table of contents.
It also includes a quick ‘tapping’ routine that really helps relieve tension and stress. Quick tapping at some key points on the body to produce vibrations that literally ‘tap’ away tension and stress.
Put yourself into action just a little more every single day. Day after day, week after week, you would be very surprised at what great progress can be made in just 6 months! Imagine the great results that could be ahead, sneaking exercise into your lifestyle!
Little boosters added up to produce one great end result.
One of my favorite way for sneaking in some leg work is to do free standing squats, leg lifts for the hip muscles or arm movements while pumping gas! (be careful!)
Don’t forget about skipping the elevator and taking those stairs!
Best of health to all! www.FatIntoTheFire.com