Stay Fit Without Exercise

As adults it is recommended we have at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week to stay healthy.  If you want to avoid exercise, you will need to find ways to be more active in your daily routine.  The article was co-authored by Michele Dolan.

Listed below are some recommendations for fitting more activity into your day:

• Always take the stairs rather than an elevator or escalator.
• Park further away and take the long way around to the entrance of a building.
• Do your own shopping and forget the free delivery and grocery pickups.
• Walk or bike instead of driving.
• Do not sit for longer than 30 minutes at a time. Walk around more.
• Try using a fitness ball rather than a chair at the office.
• Use walking meetings in lieu of a sit-down meeting with colleagues and friends.
• When waiting around, stand up to burn more calories.
• Avoid the drive-through businesses and go inside to conduct your business.
• Even fidgeting, tapping your toes and drumming your fingers burns calories.
• Do not go from your work desk to the couch at home. Move around first.
• Take walks to the park and different parts of your city. They can be short.
• Try activity games such as Wii Fit, Wii Tennis, dance, dance revolution, etc.
• Tackle those household chores you’ve put off to use up extra energy.
• Always choose those healthy sources of carbohydrates.
• Get up and dance during the commercial breaks.
• Take a dog or pet for a walk. If you don’t have one, walk someone else’s.
• Goof around with your kids in the yard or park. Play games with them outside.
• Buy a ball as they are fun when you’re by yourself, too.
• How about that adult time in the bedroom? No better exercise (or fun).
• Pick veggies and fruits with lots of color for the nutrients you need.
• Choose the low-fat protein or protein with healthy fats rather than saturated.
• Avoid meats that are high in saturated fat.
• Avoid sugar and processed foods when you can.
• Measure those portion sizes to keep within your limits.
• Try eating smaller meals throughout the day and skip those 3 big meals.
• Last but not least, check your caloric intake to maintain your weight.

You can’t be physically fit without eating a balanced diet where the body burns what you consume.  Watching your diet and stepping up your normal daily activity should increase your stamina and keep you fit.

Dr Fredda Branyon