Physical activity can occur all day long, not only during specified workouts. Now that we’re back to school, students who sit for school most days may find these ideas helpful to get their blood flowing between classes. Working professionals and those who find themselves sitting much of the day may also greatly benefit from these ideas. The following are simple, sometimes fun ideas to add physical activity to your day:
Always take the stairs.
Park in the back of a parking lot and walk to the building.
Schedule meetings to be “walking meetings”.
et a timer for 5 minutes every hour and take a break from sitting to move in a way you enjoy.
Cook dinner. Cooking is an active process that usually involves standing and moving.
Do household chores like laundry, tidying-up, dusting, or vacuuming, all active chores.
Stand while working on a computer. Use an exercise ball as an office chair.
Take active breaks during commercial breaks, like jumping jacks or dancing.
Stretch while watching your favorite show.
Add a few blocks or minutes to a walk. Take your family for an evening bike ride or walk. Enjoy our beautiful trail!
Turn on a good song and dance around the house.
Do squats or knee raises while brushing your teeth or waiting for the microwave.
Keep light weights and use them in one hand while on a phone call.
Use a watering can to water your garden.
Walk or bike around town.
-Anna Barr, SDSU Dietetic Intern
