It’s pretty common for Americans to not get the right amount of exercise they need to be as healthy as they should. Today, less than one-third of children reach the Sports and Fitness Industry Association’s classification of “active to a healthy level,” which is just 25 minutes of high-calorie-burning physical activity three times a week. Being active is really important for your health and one of the simplest ways to stay healthy, yet it’s not something most people do.
If you’re hoping to increase your normal activity but aren’t quite sure how, here are a few easy suggestions you can incorporate into your daily routines.
Get Your Steps In
Taking the stairs instead of an elevator is a great and easy way to get more steps in. While it might not seem like it’ll make that much of a difference, you’d be surprised how much it’ll add up after doing it consistently. An average, healthy person should aim to take 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day. That covers several miles and adds up to about 115,000 miles in a lifetime. With dozens of apps and smart technology that will count your steps for you, it won’t be hard to be at least a little intentional about how much you’re moving in a day.
Another way you can get steps in relatively easily is by cleaning the house. Simply doing work around the house gets you up and moving. Sweep the floors, wipe off surfaces, or get outside and do some landscaping. As long as you’re up and moving, it’ll be beneficial for both your health and your home.
Similarly, an evening walk is a great way to get steps in as well. A relaxing walk after work will not only benefit your health, but can help you to relax as well. Consider also walking or biking to work if you live close enough. If you have to drive, maybe park a few blocks away so you can walk a little bit before and after. Minimally this will help your activity levels, but it will also likely help to clear your head and prepare for whatever comes next in your day.
Play Sports
Especially for kids, this is a great way to stay active. In 2017, there were approximately 11.6 million youth participants in fishing in the states. Whether it be fishing, throwing a ball around, or competitive team sports, anything that gets you up and out of the house is going to be more activity than usual. Even just going outside in the backyard and playing catch or shooting hoops is good activity. As they say, a body in motion will stay in motion, and that’s the goal if you want to increase your activity levels.
Lift Weights
While for many lifting weights is a scary undertaking, it’s really not that difficult. At least, it doesn’t need to be. A few couple pound dumbbells and some simple moves will help your health and activity levels greatly. It doesn’t have to be body-building work to be helpful. Even just simple exercises can make a big difference. Consider joining a gym or buying instructional videos to help you on your exercise journey.
There are several ways you can be more active in a normal day. While these are just a few of them, the main principle remains: the more you are up and moving, the better it will be for your health.
