Regardless of your shape or size, physical activity has been proven as a way to add years to your life, and life to your years.
But believe it or not, the benefits of physical activity are not restricted to the exercise performed in the gym.
In fact, one of the simplest ways to improve your health can be through increasing the amount of low intensity physical activity you do throughout the day.
For example, simply increasing the number of steps you take each day is very likely to reduce your risk of diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
It is still uncertain as to whether this low intensity physical activity can decrease body weight, but it is clear that individuals who engage in high amounts of light intensity physical activity are healthier than those who do not.
In fact, there is good evidence to suggest that simply decreasing the amount of time spent sitting each day can decrease the risk of death regardless of any other factor.
Today I have decided to offer you some practical ways in which you can incorporate physical activity into your daily life.
These are the tips that I have discovered that work well for me, and I think they can work very well for you too.
Try one or two, and once they have become part of your routine, try a couple more. I would also love to hear about your own tips in the comments section.
Use the stairs as often as you can
This is as simple as you read it. If you have to climb two floors or less, choose to use the stairs. The same if you have to go down three floors or less.
If you have to go up or down a distance that is too large to walk at the moment, walk the first floors, and then take the elevator the rest of the way.
Remember, every time you take the stairs instead of the elevator, you are making a decision that will positively affect your long-term health.
Drink large amounts of water
This sounds weird, but it’s a trick I’ve been using for years.
If you are drinking water constantly during the day, you will have to urinate at least
Every time you have to urinate, you have a free excuse to take a 5 minute walk to the bathroom and return.
For best results, use a bathroom on the other side of the building, which may give you an opportunity to use the stairs as well.
It is easy to forget to do a 5 minute walk every hour, but it is impossible to forget it if you have to go to urinate.
Bonus added – staying well hydrated can also decrease feelings of hunger, and can often decrease chronic back pain.
So this is really pure profits.
Park as far from the front door as you can
Another simple but effective tactic.
Whether you’re in the mall, at work, or at school, parking the car at the end of the parking lot forces you to walk just a little farther than you’re used to.
It will only add a few seconds to your trip, but if you do it every day you can add years to your life.
Bonus added – less chance of being hit by shopping carts and teenage drivers.
Clean your house regularly
I have to admit, this really is not my strong point.
Most people do not realize the great training that can be a cleaning, especially if they have a big house.
Cleaning involves walking, lifting, and stretching – all of which are good for your body.
Washing dishes can also be a good way to burn a few extra calories, and spend some time talking with other members of your family.
Gardening work
The work in the garden is great because it not only increases your physical activity, but also gives you an excuse to be outside. Removing herbs, moving the mower, mowing the lawn, and raking the leaves are all exhausting activities and, like cleaning, you use a wide range of muscle groups.
Disconnect the cable for summer
The time spent watching TV is an independent warning of diseases, especially for children.
It’s not surprising when you think about it – the only time children are not moving is when you’re sitting in front of the TV.
Get rid of the cable, and suddenly you’ll have one less reason to spend your days sitting on the couch.
If you’re like me, after a few weeks without cable, maybe you start asking yourself why you had it in the first place.
