Around 25% of adults in the US are physically inactive which can lead to a host of serious health conditions including cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
As such, getting active is incredibly important to live a long, healthy life. If you are looking to increase your activity levels but don’t enjoy going to the gym, then here are a few easy ways to do this.
4 ways to increase your activity levels
Consider a different type of vacation
When we think of vacations, many of us will think of all-inclusive hotels with all the food and alcohol you can dream of. However, if you are actively trying to increase your activity levels, there is a different kind of vacation that you could consider.
Activity vacations are a great way to get outdoors and bond with your family and friends but are also great for your health. Walking tours tend to be a favorite of those who want to explore nature. From desert treks to wildlife walks or coastal walks you are sure to find something that will pique your interest!
Live actively
Living actively is a great way to get yourself into the habit of moving more. Many of us hate the gym so incorporating fun activities into your life can help you to increase your activity levels. For example, if you want to work out have a competition with your friends or family such as a sit-up competition. You could also work out in front of the TV or to an exercise video if you don’t want to leave your house.
Many people who live sedentary lifestyles such as office-based jobs are now opting for under-desk treadmills or walking desks which is a brilliant way to get more active.
You could also:
- Explore active hobbies such as swimming, rock climbing or martial arts
- Avoid labor-saving devices such as electric mixers and robot vacuum cleaners
- Partake in non-food related activities and instead take a trip to the zoo, the movie theatre or play board games at home
Walk wherever possible
Opting to walk instead of driving or using public transport is a really easy way to get some more steps in each day and get yourself moving. It can also be a good way to save money as you won’t need to pay for fares or gas.
Some easy replacements that you can make in your life include:
- Walking your children to school in the morning
- Getting off the bus a stop early and walking to your destination
- Parking your car further away from the store and walking
- Taking your dog on longer walks
- Taking the stairs rather than the elevator or escalator when you are out
Move more at home
There are plenty of ways to get active from the comfort of your own home. If you are lucky enough to have your own outdoor space then use it! Yard work is a great way to get moving and everyone can get involved.
From raking and weeding to planting and growing your own produce, there is plenty to do out in your garden. Investing in a trampoline is also a fun way to get exercising and is great if you have kids with lots of energy to burn off!
Some other ideas are:
- Washing the car by hand rather than heading to a car wash
- Doing chores and home repairs yourself
- Combining exercise with activities like cleaning or cooking.
