Lifestyle Exercise

Lifestyle exercise is an exercise program for people who are too busy to exercise. Lifestyle exercise simply involves choosing to handle everyday activities in such a way that they become small exercise opportunities. Parking at the far end of the parking lot at work so that you have to walk a little more to get inside, exiting mass transit several stops before your destination and walking the rest of the way, or taking a ten or fifteen minute walk with a colleague during lunch are all examples of lifestyle exercise. Other ways you can painlessly introduce a little lifestyle exercise in your daily life include:

  • Mowing your lawn
  • Raking leaves
  • Carrying groceries to your car and into your house
  • Walking instead of driving your car
  • Taking the stairs instead of riding in an elevator
  • Making time to play catch with your children
  • Turning on your favorite music and dancing up a storm
  • Cleaning out the garage or attic
  • Washing your car by hand
  • Gardening and yard work
  • Painting your home
  • Washing your windows, inside and out.
  • Going for a walk (Buy a pedometer and walk 10,000 steps a day)

Even regularly getting up from your desk and walking for a few minutes helps.

Recreation and Sport

A popular way to make exercise fun is to pursue it on a recreational basis through participation in sports. Many communities sponsor softball, tennis, and even curling (!) leagues for adults that offer a great combination of exercise and socialization to the willing team member. How about recreational running, biking, golfing, or regular walks with friends? Roller-blading, swimming, racquetball, and dancing are also great aerobic activities that can provide enjoyable recreational opportunities. For those hardy souls who love the outdoors, hiking, kayaking and rock climbing (real or indoor-gym style) are available. If you put your mind to it, you'll identify physical activities you enjoy that you could work into your schedule on a regular basis.

Additional Resources

As advocates of mental health and wellness, we take great pride in educating our readers on the various online therapy providers available. MentalHelp has partnered with several thought leaders in the mental health and wellness space, so we can help you make informed decisions on your wellness journey. MentalHelp may receive marketing compensation from these companies should you choose to use their services.

MentalHelp may receive marketing compensation from the above-listed companies should you choose to use their services.

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