Biofriendly Ways to Get Exercise In Throughout The Day
Getting in your daily exercise is an important part of healthy living. Whether you get in 30 minutes a day, 60 minutes a day or more, getting your body moving can have all kinds of benefits. The question is…what kind of exercise do you want to do? Are you a runner? A bicyclist? A swimmer? Do you like to hike? Would you rather do your exercise at the gym? Are you one of those people who tries to fit their exercise somewhere in their daily routine? Whatever your preference, we’ve got a few biofriendly ways to help you meet your daily exercise requirements.
Daily Exercise Requirements
Although physical activity requirements may differ from source to source, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends children between the ages of 5 and 17 do no less than 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity a day, throughout the week. Kids between these ages should also incorporate vigorous aerobic activity. Exercises geared towards strengthening muscles and bones should be done at least three times a week.
Adults between the ages of 18 and 64 should do at least 150-300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or between 75-150 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity. A combination of both will also suffice. As with children between 5-17, adults should do muscle-strengthening activities as well.
It is also recommended, at almost every age level, people minimize the time spent sedentary. Sedentary living can have a significant impact on one’s general health and well-being. This is another reason it’s important to get in your daily exercise and to do so throughout the day.
Set a Reminder on Your Phone
If your work, or daily activities, have you sitting at a computer or desk throughout the work day, one of the easiest ways to get exercise in throughout the day is to set a reminder on your phone. Remind yourself to get up and about every hour. Some wearable devices can also remind you to get up and walk. This will help prevent a sedentary lifestyle.
While you’re up, you can even take the time to fill your water bottle, go to the bathroom or step outside for some fresh air and a nature break.
Get Outdoors for Your Daily Exercise Time
Along the lines of stepping outside for a nature break, we recommend getting outdoors for your daily exercise time. Getting out in nature can help clear your mind and give you some much needed fresh air. So, instead of riding a stationary bike in your house or heading to the gym, get yourself outdoors. Go for a walk, run or hike. Pull out your roller skates and go for a skate around the neighborhood. Hop on your bike and go for a ride.
If you’d rather attend an organized class, any exercise facilities are offering socially-distanced, outdoor, exercise classes. Check it out; there may be an outdoor class near you.
Since summer is just around the corner, you might want to find some water activities you can enjoy, too. Although these won’t necessarily fit into your daily routine, (as they’re more of a weekend or summer break activity), here are some environmentally-friendly ways to enjoy water sports. The nice thing about these activities is you’ll get in some good exercise time and do so outdoors.
Do Some Gardening or Yard Improvements
Although people may not realize it (until they get down and dirty in the yard), gardening and yard improvements can be a great way to get a little physical activity in on a daily basis. You can spend time pulling weeds, planting seeds, harvesting vegetables, tilling soil, turning your compost pile and more. If your yard needs improvements like maybe fence repairs, a new deck or something along those lines, working on those improvements can be a way to get in some exercise on a daily basis.
Do a Few Chores Around the House
Doing chores around the house is a simple, yet smart, way to get some exercise in throughout the day. You can pull out your natural, DIY cleaning products and scrub down your counters, wash your floors, clean out your sinks, do the dishes and more. You can wash a few load of laundry, then hang the clothes out to dry (as long as the weather warrants doing so). Again, the key here is getting mobile and involving yourself in some physical activity at various times throughout the day.
Make Your Meals at Home
You may not consider making meals at home as a form of exercise, but it can be. At the very least, it’s a way to get you out of your chair and up and around. So, instead of buying an already prepared meal, a frozen dinner or something from a fast food restaurant, get on your feet and make the meal yourself. Cut up the tomatoes. Dice some onions. Reach down (or up) for the pans and utensils you need. Lean over and grab those items from the back of the fridge (before they go bad). Doing this will give you a little time on your feet and allow you to eat a healthy meal.
Swap Out Driving for Walking or Biking
Another relatively simple, and biofriendly, way to get exercise in throughout the day is by finding times you can swap out driving for walking or biking. If you have to make a trip to the store, go to one within walking distance rather than getting in your car to drive there. While this won’t necessarily work for big shopping trips, you can do this when you need an item or two. Should you decide to go to the local, community pool with the kids, walk there instead of driving. You can opt for riding your bike, as well.
Exercise Comes In Many Shapes and Forms
Exercise doesn’t have to mean just hopping on your treadmill for hours, heading to the gym for an intense workout, running for the hills or popping in your favorite 60-minute aerobic video. Exercise can actually come in many shapes and forms. The key is getting, and keeping, your body in motion throughout the day. Yes, you’ll want to do vigorous activity on a daily basis, but incorporating these and other biofriendly activities into your routine can help you get exercise in throughout the day.
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