Whether you realize it or not, you’re probably living a very sedentary life. It’s pretty common to be less active the older we get, but if we want to remain as healthy as possible, we must incorporate as much exercise into our daily lives as we can!
Some people make the excuse that they don’t have time to exercise because of their job, kids, sports, or other things they like to fit in their routine. This isn’t a valid excuse, however! There are many easy ways to increase your levels of activity that most people can include in their everyday routine. Call Magnolia Physical Therapy today for more information about how you can increase your physical activity and lead a healthier life.
Simple things to increase your level of exercise
Below are seven great ways to add more physical activity into your routine.
- Take breaks more often to stand up. – If you work sitting in front of a computer for most of the day, you should definitely count yourself in with the long list of Americans leading largely sedentary lifestyles. To switch this up and prevent future health problems, you should consider getting a standing desk that lets you stand up while you work. If you don’t have a standing desk, getting up and walking around every half hour to hour or so will really improve your overall level of physical activity.
- Get that bike out. – Got a bike? Do you live in a rural area? If so, great! This is a wonderful opportunity to get your bike out of the garage and go for a spin. Even if you don’t live in a rural area, no worries. Lots of suburban/urban areas have bike trails and paths. Bike riding is a fun and easy way to get a good workout into your day.
- Choose a parking spot further away from the entrance of the store. Yeah, yeah, we know you want to find a sport as close to the front door of the supermarket as possible. Although it might seem like a great idea that saves you time initially, it’s not always the best option if you’re trying to fit more exercise into your routine. Something as simple as parking in a spot far away can provide an extra opportunity to get some walking in for the day.
- Adopt a dog. – We hope you’re an animal person! Getting a dog can keep you active and provide numerous health benefits, (especially if it’s a puppy, they have lots of energy and encourage you to get out and exercise with them!) If you own a dog already, make sure you’re walking your pet every day. The Mayo Clinic even suggests borrowing a dog if you don’t have one, so ask your friends if you can spend some time with their dog when they’re busy!
- Sit on the floor. – Sitting on the floor isn’t just for kids or college students without couches! This is a great option for when you’re folding laundry, watching TV, or enjoying a book. It can increase your activity level even as an adult, because you’ll find that you naturally stretch your limbs and move more to reach things while sitting on the floor.
- Take the stairs at work. – If you live in an apartment building or work in a high-rise building with tons of floors, you definitely have a good opportunity to get a work out in. Even if you only have a few flights to go, over time it’ll make a noticeable difference. If you’re coming back from lunch with a friend, tell them you’ll meet them at the top and then take the stairs!
- Get a push mower this summer. –Strengthen those muscles when you’re doing yardwork as the months get warmer. Using a push mower to cut your grass is a great way to get this chore accomplished while also getting in some daily activity.
Why do we get used to not exercising?
You may not realize it, but we truly do become more inactive over time. There are a few causes of inactivity, which can include everything from a busy schedule to a physical condition that prevents you from being as active as you should be.
If you don’t engage in enough physical activity, you might struggle with weak muscle tone or aching joints. According to the Arthritis Foundation, the more inactive you’re being, the easier it is for you to become tired. There are lots of other physical ailments that come with inactivity, such as:
- Hormonal Imbalance
- Poor Blood Circulation
- Weakened Bones
- Increased Inflammation/Swelling
Want to avoid these problems? Make sure the activity you’re getting in every day is enough to help you do that. Following the above-mentioned 7 tips can be the difference between enjoying your life and having to deal with a chronic pain condition down the road.
Give physical therapy a try
If you’re suffering from the side effects of an inactive lifestyle, physical therapy could be the answer.
Physical therapists are trained movement specialists who know how to pinpoint underlying pain conditions and treat them with targeted massage, exercises, and stretches. A physical therapist can provide manual therapies that will not only increase your flexibility but also improve your range of motion. They can also give you at-home exercises to do as well! Most likely, you will have a physical therapy program created especially for you and your needs.
Call our clinic today for more information
You want to keep your muscles, tendons, and joints flexible so you can lead a pain-free life, right? To do this, it’s important to stay as active as possible. Try adding a couple of the ways to exercise (listed above) to your daily routine to keep moving. Don’t forget, working with a licensed physical therapist can also help you stay fit and healthy! Contact Magnolia Physical Therapy today to find out how we can help you get back to an active lifestyle.