Although I like to exercise regularly, I don’t use a club or create an expensive routine to stay active. There are many things you can do to stay in shape without spending extra money on memberships or equipment.
I’ve tried to stay active throughout my life. I’ve done a variety of things to keep in shape. In the past, I’ve joined fitness clubs. I’ve bought weights, stationary bikes, bicycles, and other gear for the home. I’ve ran. I’ve biked. I’ve walked. I’ve done martial arts.
I’ve learned something over the years. You don’t have to do anything special to stay active. You can stay active doing everyday tasks. You can stay active without spending a dime. In fact, you can save money while staying fit. You can stay active even when living in small spaces.
5 Ways To Stay Active
- Walk whenever you can: Throughout most of my 20s, I chose to live without a car. I walked everywhere. I still walk whenever I can. If you only need to make a short trip, there’s no sense in driving. Walk. You can even jog or run if you’d like. Trips to stores and post offices can become exercise, meditation, and money-saving.
- Parking lots and stairs: Don’t let convenience make you lazy. I never look for the closest spots in parking lots. I choose to park further out. That way I walk further. If I’m only going a few levels up a building, I take the stairs. It may not seem like much, but it adds up. Avoid elevators and close parking spots. It helps you stay active.
- Use your lunch break: Time can be an issue for many of us. If you’re a single parent like me, you know what I mean. I work full-time. I have to get my daughter to and from school. We have homework and music practice in the evenings. Finding time to exercise can be difficult. I’ve made a point to use my breaks at work. I walk a mile around the perimeter of the college campus, several times each week. I can stretch and do a few push-ups and sit-ups in my office. Use your breaks at work for short periods of exercise.
- Go to the park: Most towns have several parks. We have a city park about a mile from our house. I often walk my dog, Shep, to the park and back. Sometimes I’ll walk or run on the track or hike the terraces at the park. I take my daughter and let her use the playground or we play together on the tennis or basketball courts. Parks are great places to stay active.
- Make housework exercise: I turn yard work into exercise. I use a reel mower instead of a powered mower. I create new garden beds each year. This summer I hope to paint part of my house. Work is exercise when done in moderation. Work helps you to stay active. It helps you keep your home looking nice, too.
Are You Ready To Get Active Today?
Sometimes I go beyond doing the things on this list. I hike, bike, practice karate and do some moderate weightlifting. However, I’ve discovered that I can control my weight and generally stay fit just by doing these five simple things.
Next time you need to go to the store or take a break a work, turn the moment into exercise. Take the stairs more often. Go to the park. Do yard work. Stay active.
