You think you don’t have time to exercise? I’m telling you, you do!
It might not be what you think you’re supposed to be doing.
After all, we’re busy humans and don’t have time to go to the gym 3x a week – and let’s be honest: we couldn’t be bothered doing that anyway.
BUT – you have time to check your phone, right? You have time to watch an episode or two (or three) of your favorite show at night, too.
So, how can there be no time for exercise?
Here are 8 creative ways to squeeze exercising into your day without you even noticing it!
1. Do Squats While Drying Your Hair
This is one of my favorite exercises that can be combined with a simple daily task.
My tip: put the heat of the hairdryer on the lowest setting so you can exercise for longer.
Also works for when you dry your kid’s hair.
2. Do Lunges While Brewing Your Coffee
I recently came across Dr. Rangan Chatterjee’s 5-minute kitchen workout video in which he shows super simple exercises you can do in the morning while your coffee is brewing.
Instead of checking your phone and giving your valuable time and attention to someone else, practice a few minutes of self-care.
Dr. Chatterjee says, it’s one of the best feelings when you do something for yourself first thing in the morning.
You can also do the 5-minute kitchen exercises when you cook at night.
3. Take The Stairs Instead of The Lift
How easy is that one?
Stop lining up with everyone else to take the lift or the escalator, just take the stairs.
You’ll do something for your fitness, and at the same time, you’ll reach your destination quicker, while the others still wait (and get frustrated because it takes so long).
4. Exit The Bus A Stop Earlier
Another easy way to incorporate some daily exercise, if you commute to work by public transport.
How much time does it cost you to get off 1 stop earlier? 10-15 minutes, max?
Nothing compared to having to grab your sports clothes, head to the gym, and do the work.
5. Ride The Bike for Short Trips
When was the last time you rode your bike?
I have to admit, I don’t ride that often, but when I do, I just love it. And I wonder why I don’t do it more often.
Being stuck in city traffic is frustrating, and by riding the bike, you actually surpass all of this to get some small errands done.
Yes, you might not be able to wear your favorite outfit that day, but I’m sure you’ll find something else that’s both nice and practical.
6. Walk Around the Block
Duh!
Yes, I know. Hear me out!
You can do this while:
- Talking to your bestie
- Making a call to schedule an appointment
- Your kids attend their after-school activities
- Listening to a podcast episode
Combining those things make you feel like you got something done and not just walked around the block for nothing.
Did you know I lost about 5 kg’s just by doing a lot of walking? It’s amazing.
More Ways To Increase Your Daily Steps
- Park at the far end of the lot
- Drink more water so you have to walk to the bathroom more often
- Walk around the room during TV commercials
- Walk while having meetings on the phone
7. Get Up 10 Minutes Earlier
Start small. You don’t need to be exercising for 30 minutes in the morning before getting ready for work.
Even just 5 or 10 minutes can do wonders.
Not just for your physical health, but also for your mental health.
Doing something for yourself first thing in the morning makes you feel like you have taken care of yourself before you tackle all the other tasks people want you to do for the rest of the day.
If you need motivation to get up early, check out these early riser quotes to get some inspiration.
8. Pretend That There’s No Wi-Fi
Imagine there’s no internet. You can’t use your phone, your laptop, or your tablet.
What would you do?
- Go for a walk (maybe with your neighbor’s dog)?
- Visit your local pool?
- Or just turn on the radio and dance to the music?
I’m sure you’d suddenly have a lot of time on your hands to exercise!
It All Adds Up!
You might say, What are 5 minutes of exercise doing to my body? It’s not even worth it!
Yes it’s so worth it! It all accumulates.
If you add up those short exercising sessions, you might have done 4 hours by the end of the week.
Better than 0 hours, right?
So, have fun in getting creative to add some exercise to your daily life.
What other ways can you think of? Let me know the comments!
About The Author
Saskia is a mom, blogger, and freelance writer. She loves sharing tips on how to live a more positive and simple life through self-care, personal growth, and journaling.
Find out more about her here or connect with her on Instagram to get more inspiration.
