Photographed by Kathryn Worsham

As I confessed to you a couple of weeks ago, my fitness regime had pretty much halted after moving to Texas and having Andrew. I’ve recently started to incorporate little exercises throughout my day to ease back into a regular workout routine. One way I love to get my heart rate up is by taking Knox to school on my bike. It’s not a rigorous route, but it still feels great to do something active and to be outdoors. Also, our neighborhood is full of young families and I love getting together with friends who live close by to walk around the block (both with and without the kids). When I have a morning or afternoon free of meetings, I love hopping on the treadmill while checking emails which helps me kill two birds with one stone. These mini workouts add up, and if I get in at least 20 minutes of cardio a day, I feel like I accomplished my starting point fitness goal.

On our House of Harper trip to New York last week, we went on a long stroll across Brooklyn Bridge one morning. If only we had that scenery every day to inspire us to get our steps in! We loved getting to take in the sights while also getting a nice workout. (Side note, it’s amazing how the right fitness attire and comfortable shoes can be the motivation you need to get moving!)

In fact, recent studies actually support my preferred workout method.  Just being up and active throughout the day may even be healthier for you than doing a rigorous workout, then sitting the rest of the day. It makes sense, when you think about how we used to live, walking and working all day. In fact, the idea of “working out” is only a few decades old as the need developed out of our culture sitting so much – commuting to work, sitting at a desk, commuting back home, only to sit back down in front of the TV before going to bed.

This new thinking is important. It means that if you can live with greater vitality throughout your day, you can get all the health benefits you need.

Here are some simple ways you can keep moving, even on the busiest of days.

1. Walk or bike to work, school, coffee, or anywhere that you can!

2. Take a brisk 15 minute walk during your lunch break.

3. Skip the elevator, take the stairs.

4. Park in the back of the parking lot, even if there is a closer spot.

5. Stand up at work. Use a standing desk or schedule ten minute walk breaks during the day.

6. Clean your house and kill two birds with one stone! Upbeat music in the background makes this one a lot more fun.

7. Sneak in exercise during TV time.  Instead of watching your favorite show on the couch, watch it from the treadmill or do exercises during commercial breaks. Those three minute breaks add up!

8. Take your children and/or dogs on daily walks. It’s a great way to spend quality time with your family without the distraction of e-mail and social media.

 

What are ways you keep moving throughout the day?