Do you often feel like you have no time to exercise? While some mums make out time to go to the gym or pay a personal trainer to get the work done, some other mums are either too busy or they’re “allergic” to rigorous exercise
However, exercise is extremely important. Exercise doesn’t have to mean that you “run on a treadmill for four hours and be miserable.” Exercise is anything that elevates your heart rate and takes your body outside of its normal comfort zone. Being active in small ways throughout the day can make a big difference.
6 ways to turn your daily activities into exercise.
1. Skip the elevator and use the stairs.
I’m pretty sure you hear this a lot. It’s a good form of exercise. Stair climbing contributes a good 30 minutes to your total daily physical workout. You can do it anywhere as long as there are stairs. You can also take the stairs two at a time to switch things up a bit.
2. Exercise while standing
You’ll find that you stand a lot during the course of the day. You’re either waiting for someone or waiting for something to get done. You can use this opportunity to exercise.
- Stand on one foot. It will work your core with some basic balancing.
- Hold your arms out stiffly to the side and rotate them continuously. It’ll get rid of the jiggle under your arm overtime.
3. Exercise while Cooking
Everything from chopping veggies to washing pots and pans—burns around 75 calories in 30 minutes. Once in a while, ditch the electric mixer and stir batters by hand to work your arm muscles
4. Exercise while Sitting
There are things you can do while sitting to get in a bit of exercise. This comes in handy if you’re stuck at a desk all day.
- Move your right leg from side to side for a few minutes then do the same for your left leg until you feel the strain on your muscles—you’ve just snuck in a quick oblique workout.
- Rotate your legs one after the other for 10 seconds each at intervals.
[You can also do exercise while lying down]
5. Chair Squats
If you happen to sit on a chair for the better half of a day. You can do a bit of exercise (at home or in the comfort of your office; if you have your office to yourself)
- Stand in front of a chair, place your feet hip-distance apart, toes forward. Lean chest slightly forward. Bend knees, tap (don’t sit!) bottom on chair, then stand up. Keep your weight in your heels and keep knees over toes. Do 10 to 12 reps.
6. Play with the kids
You’ll find out that by the time you “rough house” with your children or join them to play a game or two, you’ve succeeded in working out some muscles that you didn’t know existed. Children need exercise too.
*Note: There’s nothing wrong with working out at the gym or getting a personal fitness trainer. However, these are ways you can exercise; especially for mums who don’t have the time. It’s important to keep fit and stay in good shape for your overall wellbeing.
