Increasing the calories you expend through physical activity is a key part of The EatingWell Diet. How do you make time for "programmed" exercise (think: walking for the specific point of exercise or hopping on the elliptical at the gym)? How do you sneak extra "lifestyle exercise" (everyday activity like taking the stairs instead of the elevator) into your day?
Hello everyone!! I sneak exercise in by walking from my car to work. It's a good 10 minutes back and forth and I walk up the stairs instead of taking the escalator. I also wear my "fit flops"tm which are said to simulate walking in sand for an added amount of working out the legs. I also bought "Earth"tm shoes which are sneakers (they have other styles as well) that are built to make you have perfect posture and stand straight and with every step you take you are walking on an incline which adds to the workout. Also, I was having a hard time last week trying to fit in exercise since i was on the road a lot and traveling. What I did was walk as much as possible and even when I was in Schroon River in the Adirondacks I walked around the river in knee deep water to give my legs some more resistance. I missed having the rower so now that things have settled down, I am back on track. I also go up and down stairs a lot in my house.I usually am always doing something around the house. I don't sit much at home because there is always something to do and I can't sit still for very long anyway LOL! When I do sit is when I have problems because I then want to snack!! I love having the rower to sit in front of the TV with and actually exercise while I am catching up on my shows. This way I can watch TV without the urge to stuff something in my mouth.
One thing I did to get myself to make time for "programmed" exercise was i got an armband for my ipod. Then i uploaded some really fun upbeat tunes onto it, and put together a playlist called "Treadmill mix". I couldn't wait to listen to it! I also made the playlist a little longer than I'd been walking, and guess what? I kept going to hear all the songs! I figure I'll have to keep updating and changing the songs every other week or so, but it is well worth it!
Exercise has always been an important part of my life. I look at it as a necessity just like brushing my teeth or taking a shower or eating. I have to exercise to not feel aches or stiff and good all around. The most important thing I've found to keep me exercising regularly is to do activities which I enjoy such as dancing, yoga, swimming, biking, etc. And also mixing up activities. If I like to do something, it makes me feel good, I will make time for it. When I am doing activities that seem like a chore, i.e. jogging on a treadmill I will find ways to get out of it. I also try to walk or bike for errands and park far away at places.
Several years ago I joined a small gym with structured weight training classes twice a week. The class I am in begins at 6am and I try to squeeze in some cardio before it starts. I finish off whatever is left of my 30 min. cardio when the class is over. It is a group of 7 women with a trainer. I never thought I could adapt to such an early schedule, but these women have become such good friends and we have such a great time together that I rarely miss a class. I can usually get home by 7:30 which allows my husband to leave for work and I can get the kids ready for school.
Lifestyle exercise is tough- I find myself in the car a good bit for work and it is tough. I hadn't thought about the stairs much once I'm on site at various work location. That is a good idea.
I did recently discover a great idea for walking when traveling. Often I don't have time until late at night after all of the work activities and obligations have ended. My colleague (had a heart attack last spring) and I walked in a parking garage! Seems strange but late at night they are not crowded, well lit and have built in hills! It was perfect I must admit. Got a better walking workout than just in the city.
