Summer is now in full swing and our lives are becoming busier with activities. We all know that exercise can prolong our lives, but many people say they simply don’t have enough time to exercise every day.
A formalized exercise program is the ideal way to stay in shape because the key to benefiting from exercise is consistency. However, formal exercise is not always necessary to get the healthy rewards. Instead of thinking “exercise,” think “physical activity.” Consider the following:
1. Do You Really Not Have Time?
The activities we choose in life are based on what we consider to be our highest priorities. If you are balancing a career, family, and personal hobbies, it might seem unfeasible or even oppressive to fit in a trip to the gym. But what if you found a physical activity that didn’t seem like a chore?
Get creative with what you consider exercise, because it does not have to be the conventional gym membership. Consider dancing, rollerblading, jumping on a trampoline, golfing, gardening, yoga, or riding your bike. When you like what you do, your form of exercise becomes a priority and you will find you have time you didn’t think you had.
2. Add It Up
There are many opportunities throughout your day to work physical activity into your schedule. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park your car a few blocks from where you’re going. Walk or ride your bike when running errands.
3. Work Out at Work
Some of us already have jobs that require high levels of physical activity, which can count as exercise. For those of us who sit at a desk for hours every day, there are ways to incorporate physical activity into the workday.
Getting yourself to work can become physical activity. If it’s possible, walk or ride your bike to work. And, if possible, take stairs instead of elevators.
You can also utilize lunchtime as a time to exercise. Do some stretching and toning exercises by your desk, or go outside and take a brisk walk in the fresh air. Use your legs instead of your phone when you need to run errands in your building.
4. Housework Work Out
All that scrubbing and sweeping in housework can really require a lot of physical activity. Sweep the floor with a broom instead of a vacuum, wash dishes by hand rather than using a dishwasher, and really scrub the tiles.
Or take it outdoors. Yard work also makes for a good workout: cut the lawn with a manual mower, rake some leaves, shovel the snow, chop wood, pull weeds, and feel the fitness and benefit the environment at the same time by avoiding power equipment.
5. Double Up
If you set aside time on the weekend to spend with your family or friends, why not add physical activity into the agenda? Take a hike, schedule a soccer game, go out dancing, swim in the ocean, or any of the other activities that were made for social gatherings. Taking part in a Tai Chi, Qi Gong or Tao Yoga class can be a fun and healthy way to spend an afternoon with family or friends. Plus it can help you to relax after a long day at work and get you ready for the day or week to come. The Wellness Living Store on 14th Street in Santa Monica offers a variety of classes for you to bring a friend and try together.
I hope this article helps you find all the ways to work physical activity into your day!
May you Live Long, Live Strong, and Live Happy!
Dr. Mao Shing Ni, best known as Dr. Mao, is a bestselling author, doctor of Oriental Medicine and board certified anti-aging expert. He has appeared on Dr. Oz, the Doctors and EXTRA. Dr. Mao practices acupuncture, nutrition and Chinese medicine with his associates at the Tao of Wellness in Santa Monica and Newport Beach. Dr. Mao and his brother, Dr. Daoshing Ni founded Tao of Wellness over 25 years ago. In addition, he is the cofounder and Chancellor of Yo San University in Venice/Marina del Rey. To subscribe to a free newsletter please visit taoofwellness.com To make an appointment for evaluation and treatment please call 310.917.2200 or you can email Dr. Mao at contact@taoofwellness.com
