It’s no secret that the struggle to stay fit while living our best couch potato lives is as real as it gets. And we’re all jealous of that one friend who seems to always maintain her fit body while barely lifting a finger. And we always wonder how she did that. Enter the “Lazy Girl’s Guide on How to Stay Fit Without Having to Go to Your Local Gym at 6 a.m. on Saturday morning.” But seriously, we have no bad blood about exercising. It’s just that we want some lazy hacks, right?
There’s no secret sauce, I’m afraid. It starts with redefining everyday activities as your mini workouts. Or it involves actually paying attention to what’s on your plate. In this post, we are going to talk about fitness hacks so simple that even your cat could do them.
01 Stay well hydrated throughout the day
You may sometimes believe yourself to be hungry and frequently reach for snacks during the day. However, it’s possible that you’re simply dehydrated. Drinking enough water throughout the day may help control your appetite and digestion. Making you less likely to grab another sugary cookies or donuts during your break. Try infusing your water with a few slices of lemon or cucumber, or add a few leaves of mint to make it more encouraging to drink. Not only will it be more flavorful, but it’ll also add vitamins and antioxidants into your water. Another tip is to keep a reusable water bottle by your side wherever you go. Whether you’re driving in your car, grocery shopping, or even just sitting in front of your computer, you’ll be more likely to remember to drink enough water during the day.
02 Treat household chores as your mini exercise
Who said vacuuming the living room floor had to be boring? You can start to think of daily household chores as an opportunity to sneak in a mini workout session. Maybe the next time you sweep the floor, why not move your hips and arms as you go back and forth? It will certainly leave the floor spotless while toning those muscles. Here’s a trick I often use: Saturday is laundry day, and I always make sure to add in a few squats while picking up the laundry basket. And while waiting for it to be over, I do a few stretching exercises here and there. Think of different ways to use these different chores to keep you active. No need to hit the gym. Your home is your gym; no membership is needed.
03 Get a standing desk for your home office setup
Whether you’re working from home or studying for an exam as a student, this one’s for you. If you spend long hours glued to your chair, a standing desk can be a great way to burn a few extra calories without even trying. Standing lets you engage those leg muscles and improve posture. There’s been quite a lot of hype around standing desks lately. Apart from the physical benefits, it also reduces the risk of back pain. Not to mention that it keeps you from dozing off during those tedious hours after the lunch break.
04 Get active when you take breaks
When I say get active during a short break, I’m not saying to do 20 burpees on the spot. What I’m trying to suggest is to perform some simple desk exercises like leg raises or shoulder rolls to keep your body moving. You can either do arm circles on the comfort of your desk or take a brisk walk around the office to get water. Regularly performing these tiny movements will promote healthy circulation throughout your body. By strategically scattering active breaks throughout your workday, you may make the most of your break time. It will keep your body and mind active and alert the entire day.
05 Choose tea over sugary drinks
People I know who are physically fit and healthy enjoy drinking tea after meals. You don’t have to completely give up frappes, but you should try to include them frequently in your daily routine. Avoid milk teas at all costs because they are packed with calories and sugar. Only teas made from leaves or fruits steeped in hot water (or cold, if you like) should come to mind. Many teas are known for their various health benefits and can be a great alternative to sugary drinks. Green tea, ginger tea, chamomile tea—the options are endless. My personal favorite is green tea due to the fact that it is soothing and has metabolism-boosting properties, which I really love.
06 Try changing the way you commute
If at all possible, consider riding your bike or walking to work to keep yourself moving and energized before and after work. You’ll not only avoid the stress of traffic jams, but you’ll also automatically be getting your daily exercise! Now, I know that not all of us can walk or cycle to work. How about on the weekends? If you live near the grocery store, why not walk there instead of taking the car? You’ll get some steps in, save money on gas, and benefit the environment. Or maybe take the stairs instead of the elevator on your way down to go home. Every little step counts. Of course, not all situations allow for active commuting, so be sure it’s appropriate for your particular circumstances.
READ MORE: 7 Simple After Work Self-Care Routine
07 Enjoy gardening
Gardening can be a great way to stay fit while enjoying the outdoors (or indoors). Never underestimate the power of planting or watering your garden because it can provide a good workout for your body. You’ll be bending, squatting, and digging as you tend to your plants. Your body will be moving without your knowledge, from watering to pruning those leaves. It can also help you feel less stressed, happier, and more accomplished as you watch your little green friends flourish. There is no need to own a big plot of land; even if you live in a small city apartment, you can still enjoy the benefits of gardening by creating your very own mini-garden! Whether it’s flowers, herbs, or succulents, just grab some pots, a sunny windowsill, and a bit of a green thumb and get planting.
08 Dance like nobody is watching
Just dance! Honestly, turn on some groovy tunes and turn your living room into your very own dance floor. In addition to burning calories, dancing also improves your mood and lowers stress. Move those hips and wave your arms; it’s the perfect way to stay fit without even realizing you’re exercising. If you’re the shy type, get in the zone, all while no one is watching. Or take it to the next level; it’s more fun to host dance parties at home with family or friends once in a while.
09 Stretch during a commercial breaks
Do you also regularly binge-watch seven episodes of a Netflix series on a Saturday night? I am guilty of this as well. But instead of letting those episodes autoplay and becoming one with the couch, use the transition time between episodes to get up and stretch. Do some quick stretches like touching your toes, reaching for the ceiling, or even a couple of jumping in place. Take it up a notch and do some squats, lunges, or push-ups. It’s a few minutes of activity that can add up over time! Get creative, have fun, and make the most of your entertainment time while staying fit and healthy with no effort at all.
10 Add daily walks into your routine
One of the most underrated activities for staying fit effortlessly is walking. We’re so used to driving in the car, even if we are just getting a coffee a couple blocks away from where we are. So here’s a simple idea: practice mindful walking during your lunch break or when going to nearby places. Add daily walks to your routine. Even a simple 15-20minute walk each day can work wonders for your body. Here are ways we can incorporate more walks into our daily lives: take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible. Park a little further away from your destination and take a leisurely walk to your intended place. Or how about going for a stroll during your lunch break to refresh your mind? You can embrace a healthier and happier lifestyle without breaking a sweat in no time.