We’ve all been there. It’s time to work out, but a trip to the gym sounds like an awful chore or you’re so busy with summer activities that finding time to exercise seems nearly impossible. Never fear! There are countless ways to stay active, even when you’re feeling unmotivated. Here are just a few:
Increase Your NEAT
Increasing your daily activity is never a bad idea, especially when you skip your workout. NEAT (or non-exercise activity thermogenesis) is a fancy way of referring to activities you perform outside of the gym, and increasing your NEAT can burn up to 800 extra calories a day! Some easy ways to increase activity include taking the stairs, standing or sitting on a stability ball at work, and moving or jiggling your legs while seated. You can also try cranking up some tunes and dance through your household chores.
Discover a New Hobby
Many “leisure activities” are not just leisurely. Hobbies like gardening, golf, bowling, fishing, woodworking, and volunteering can relieve stress and help you stay active at the same time. So, go ahead and try something new – you may discover your newest passion.
Make Time to Play
Whether it’s playing softball or taking your kids to the park, making time to play is not only fun – it can burn some serious calories. Simple ways to play include joining a sports league, taking a dance class, ice skating, or going horseback riding. For some active family fun, try a game of hide and seek, toss the frisbee, or cool off with an invigorating water balloon fight – guaranteed to get your heart pumping!
Go For a Swim
It’s summer, so why not indulge in a refreshing dip? Swimming is a revitalizing, joint-friendly way to exercise. For a low-impact cardio workout try swimming some laps. If you’re looking for a more recreational experience, try paddling on a pool noodle, tossing a beach ball, or playing a rousing game of Marco Polo. Whether it’s a trip to the beach or your local pool, water offers an infinite number of ways to get moving!
Explore the Outdoors
Speaking of summer, warm weather offers a multitude of opportunities for physical activity. Take advantage of your favorite outdoor activities, like hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, berry picking, or just walking barefoot in the grass. Research shows that outdoor exercise is more effective than indoor exercise, thanks to varied terrain and wind resistance helping you burn more calories. Plus, outdoor exercise can improve your mood. So, what are you waiting for? Get outside and enjoy all that summer has to offer!
Refresh Your Workout
If you’re avoiding the gym, it may be time to refresh your workout. Try a form of exercise you’ve never done before, such as yoga, Pilates, or strength training. Switch things up and check out a new fitness class, like rowing, cardio dance, outdoor boot camp, or trampolining.
If you’re still feeling uninspired, log-on to the VHPGO app! You can register for a live class, peruse our media library, schedule a one-on-one appointment, or shoot us a question. We’re here to help you stay motivated, even when exercise feels like a chore.
