10 Ways to Multitask While You Exercise
Multitasking
Since I am going to be one week out of town, I asked Sysy Morales, the person behind www.thegirlsguidetodiabetes.com if she would like to contribute a guest article for my blog. Sysy, always ready to give a hand to a person in need, wrote this practical guide.
We all know how important exercise is for every one of us, especially for a person who has diabetes, but many times we feel we don’t have the time to include it in our daily life. Well, here is a way we can do it.
An article by Sysy Morales
I love doing my yoga video and I love running at the gym. Yet, some days I’m overwhelmed and find myself choosing between things I need to do for my house or family and my exercise routine.
Never feel that your time to exercise is not as important as everything else you need to do because your health is extremely important!
Lately I’ve been looking for ways in which I can possibly incorporate a workout into a chore or a family activity.
Here are 10 very doable ideas.
10. Watch TV on a ball
If you are looking to start exercising slowly, consider watching TV while sitting on a big exercise ball. I know there are nights of television we feel we can’t miss so to remedy this get on the ball! All you need to do is keep your balance, bounce gently, try to sit up straight, and take deep steady breathes. You won’t feel tired afterward but, you might be surprised to feel some light soreness the next morning. That is because this gently works your muscles! (If you’ve got kids, they will laugh, but they’ll think you are awesome at the same time).
9. “Spring clean” your house
Feeling overwhelmed by the general state of your home? Is it cluttered and messy…everywhere? I know the feeling. Which is why when I saw this suggested somewhere I thought, Hey, great idea! Who says you need to wait until Spring to do this? If a big source of stress for you is your house’s current state of messiness then consider taking a few days off of your regular workout and plan a full-on home cleaning week. By climbing stairs, moving furniture, lifting objects, squatting to clean crevices you will surely get a very good workout. And when it is all over you will have a blissful feeling as you look around at your spotless home and realize you killed plenty of calories while making it all happen.
8. Walk when doing your errands
Many of us have one day of the week when we do more than one errand at a time. It makes more sense to knock it out all at once right? Well, try parking far away from the store (unless you go after dark) and walk fast. Carry your bags to your vehicle and in general, exert a heightened sense of quickness. When unpacking your items, be sure to not just bend over to pick them up. Instead, you want to squat and really use those leg muscles. Contract your stomach muscles throughout the entire trip and I promise you won’t need to do more.
7. Bike with your kids
Feeling guilty because you haven’t had any deep conversations with your kids lately? Take them out on a bike ride. You’ll all be getting great exercise and at the same time your kids may relax as they peddle next to you and start giving away free info. (Playing catch works really well, too)
6. Dance alone
Sometimes it isn’t so much that we feel pressed to complete a chore, it’s that we feel like we need to have some time alone to relax and nourish our souls. If you get the chance to be alone, instead of plopping down in front of the TV or computer, put on your favorite music and dance around the house. You may feel funny at first but the truth is that music makes you feel good and moving makes you feel good. Put the two together and you won’t regret it!
5. Mow the lawn
If you use a push mower and make a conscious effort to use your legs and rear a lot while pushing-you will A) burn a lot of calories, B) have a mowed lawn, and C) inspire neighbors who are putting off exercise and mowing the lawn.
4. Volunteer
Maybe you feel like you don’t have time to volunteer but would like to somehow work it in to your schedule? A few times a month, try replacing your daily work out with some type of volunteer work that involves some moving around. Often times volunteer work involves some kind of physical activity. It’s a win-win for everyone.
3. Learn self-defense
Feel vulnerable? As if you wouldn’t have a clue what to do if someone tried to hurt you? Depending on where you live this may be a serious concern of yours. Take a self-defense class. You’ll gain confidence and a workout!
2. Swim at the pool
Families all over the place are heading to the pool right now. Are you in the pool moving around or are you laying out in the sun? Instead, lay out a few minutes and jump in the water! Swimming is one of the best exercises you can do, what are you waiting for?
1. Do something
If all else fails-meaning it’s the end of the day and you haven’t exercised a lick, do as many jumping jacks as you can. This only takes a few minutes because let’s face it, jumping jacks are intense! Not your thing? Do as many squats are you can. Doing this every night will actually shock you a month later when you notice a nice difference in your legs.
The point is, even if you exercise 5 minutes at the end of the day, do something.
To read more articles on diabetes, visit Sysy Morales at www.thegirlsguidetodiabetes.com
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