Hate workouts? Sneak fitness into your work

By siliconindia   |   Monday, 25 July 2011, 22:50 IST
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Hate workouts? Sneak fitness into your work
Bangalore: A good number of us need to get more exercise everyday and the truth is your busy lifestyle isn't going to hold back and if you have never been able to find time for that one hour to hit the gym, it's unlikely that you ever will. Researchers say that as long as we get a combined total of 30 minutes or more of daily activity which increases our heart rate, it's just as useful as doing a conventional workout. So how do we "sneak" in quick and easy methods of fitness into everyday life? Read on and find out. Turn out that T.V.: Do you spend your evenings slouching on a couch and catching up on your TV shows? Then cut down the amount of time you spend watching TV and instead do some exercises. Why not choose to do a different physical activity for each commercial break or better yet, look around- tidy up your room. Cut out that series you've been watching just because it falls between two of your favourite sitcoms. Put on some comfortable shoes: Leave your car or bike at home. Feet were made for walking. With comfortable shoes on, you'll be geared up to fit extra walking into your life: at least 30 minutes a day, at least 10 minutes at a time. If you do not like to walk, then cycle. Turn on some music: Detest exercise? How about dancing? Dancing is the most fun way to burn off those extra calories. Turn on those favorite tunes - softly on headphones or loudly in the living room - sway those calories away. Use your legs - instead of the telephone: At work, if you have to communicate with your colleague who is sitting desks away from you, do not use the phone or e-mail. Instead walk up to their desk to have your talk. Remember, every step counts! Use your legs - instead of the elevator: If you work or live in a building that provides elevators, then ditch them. Forget the crowded elevator or the slow escalator! Run up or down the stairs. They are the easiest way to build strong and beautiful leg muscles. Fidget more: Researchers say it is true that fidgeting does burn calories. Wiggle, squirm, sit down, stand up, and move around as much as you can to control that calorie intake. Do housework vigorously: If the housemaid takes an off, look at it as a chance for extra exercise. Turn on the music and tackle the work with energy. The other things you could do is take up a weekend activity such as cleaning up the house, gardening, playing with kids or just take up some sport you enjoyed. Try Yoga, Meditation or just take a brisk walk. And make sure to ask your friends or family to join in to make it fun. And obviously, don't forget to get rid of your TV and stereo remotes. Hide them somewhere and just forget about them.