I strive to make exercise one of my biggest priorities everyday because I know how much of a difference it makes in my mood, energy, productivity, outlook and overall well being.  But, I do have those days that get so busy I just can’t find my way to the gym or set aside a chunk of time to workout from home.  So, I’ve devised some interesting ways to work-out throughout your day without really ‘working out’.  Read on and aim to start incorporating some (or all!) of my exercise tips and tricks into your day to burn  calories for weight-loss all day long.

1. When you wake up in the morning sit in bed and stretch your arms for a couple minutes, do some easy twists, when you stand up stretch your hamstrings, quads and calves.

2. While brushing your teeth do wall sits.  Start with 20 seconds and build from there.

3. While talking on the phone do single leg balancing exercises.

4. When you are walking from the car to your home or visa versa do walking lunges.  Make sure your knee does not go over your toes, and keep your back straight.

5. When you are cooking do leg lifts.  Lift your leg to a 45 degree angle behind you, repeat on each side in increments of 10.  You can also lift out to the sides.

6. Bike or walk to work if you can.

7. Switch your boring desk chair to a yoga ball chair.

8. Walk to lunch, walk on your breaks from work.

9. Pick up the pace anywhere you are walking.

10. Take the long route when walking to the printer, restroom, etc.

11. Park further away from your destination and walk briskly there.

12. When you are waiting in line do calf raises.

13. While driving contract your core muscles, push them out aiming to look like Santa Claus, then suck them in to look like Giselle, repeat.   While driving you can also contract and release other muscle groups such as your arms and legs.

14. While sitting contract, hold, then release your glute muscles.  If the chair has arms hold on to them and lift your knees up towards your chest for a lower ab workout.  Even lifting one foot off the ground and holding it in the air for a few seconds activates your core, repeat this on each side in increments of ten.

15. Use a basket instead of a cart at the store when you have smaller trips to make.

16. Carry your own groceries out.

17. When you are walking and carrying items, such as grocery bags, do bicep curls with them.

18. While watching TV/Movie (even just during the previews!) do sit ups, planks and push ups.

19. Play the Wii Fit instead of TV/Movie night.

20. Try those crazy MBT shoes.

If you have other ways to sneak in exercise please comment, I’d love to hear your ideas!  Of course you can still take the stairs instead of the escalator/elevator too!

Have a wonderful, fit day!!

Kardio Kate

Posted in Main at September 10th, 2009 by Kardio Kate

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