We here at Everyday Inspirations are big fans of physical activity and try to incorporate it into our busy schedules. While we know that not everyone out there wants to run a half marathon or compete in ice dancing, we do recommend that you find some way to get your body in motion. It doesn't have to be intimidating. In fact, research shows that just 20 minutes of physical activity three days a week can make significant changes to your life.
Still on the fence? Here are a few small tips to get you moving until you're ready for a bigger challenge.
1. Walk. Sounds simple, right? You thought I was going to start with something crazy. I'm not. Walk. It's as basic as that. One of the quickest, easiest ways to get active in is to get your butt in motion. We're accustomed to all the convenience in the world, so we sometimes don't even think about making small changes (like parking in the back of the lot instead of right next to the entrance). Plan ahead to get in extra steps and have fun getting creative. Other examples? Instead of driving to the post office that's a block away, take a quick stroll or take the stairs instead of the elevator.
2. Recruit a friend. It's way, way, WAY too easy to not get active when you have no one to keep you company. But I would bet that at least one person in your life would jump at the chance to work out with you. In fact, before I was ever a runner, I had a good friend who would roam Salt Lake City streets with me for an hour or two a couple nights a week. We always had a blast. Grab a friend of your own and try something small (a 45-minute walk, 20 minutes of jogging, or a class at a local gym). You'll feel more comfortable contorting yourself in yoga if you have someone to giggle with, plus it will be tougher to skip a session if you know someone is counting on you.
3. Pop in a DVD. You can't tell me that you don't have the ability to do a quick 20-minute video in the privacy of your own home, because I'm the girl who did pilates in a 6"x4" space. I promise there's a way. Invest less than a half hour of your day in yourself. You can find fun workout DVDs at almost any store that sells media, or use free videos on web sites like Exercise TV. Some cable networks even provide exercise stations or videos on demand.