Just Move.

Adding movement to your day doesn’t have to be a big production.

If you’re getting the urge to exercise, or you’re just really feeling like you need to do something you can get started very easily, and you can keep up a program quite simply.

But, even just getting started can seem daunting.

When we’re in a state of inertia, having not done anything exercise-related for a while, just the mere thought of starting can seem overwhelming.

Believe me, I know.

I love movement, and yet, there have been plenty of times in my life where I’ve fallen out of my schedule. One particular time was after my daughter was born. It took me a good 6 months to get back to anything.

The thought of starting something felt almost excruciating on top of my life being in complete upheaval from being a new mom.

I’ve fallen out of my routine for various reasons over the years: depression, changing jobs, injury…

And each time – the hardest part was just starting again.

You don’t have to become a fitness buff immediately.

A big misconception is that, if you start, you should automatically LOVE it and be able to fit hours of exercise into your week.

First off… who has hours on end to devote to exercise? Not many of us. And secondly, who wants to? Life is full – and though I’m a bit biased that movement should be part of it, you certainly shouldn’t  have to devote hours upon hours to feel good.

And really – that’s hat moving is all about – feeling good.

You don’t have to LOVE exercise to move. Movement for physical benefit shouldn’t be a chore. Because if you feel like it is, it’s easy to not stick with it.

The big Why.

Movement has incredible health benefits – which I’m sure you’ve heard time and time again. It also helps you focus, and keeps you sane.

I love movement because I feel amazing when I’m in a regular routine with it. I feel strong, healthy, focused, and empowered.

Ideas to Implement Movement Into Your Daily Schedule:

Remember, you can start simply with just 10 to 15 minutes per day. Or, you can do 10 minute segments of movement throughout your day – instead of 1 big 30 minute chunk.

Also remember, to get fitness benefits from moving, you need to challenge yourself and elevate your heart rate. And that doesn’t have to be complicated either. As long as you breathe heavier, and feel like you’re giving yourself a challenge, you’re good.

1. Walking – walk around your block, walk around the parking lot at work, walk into town, walk wherever! All you need is a good pair of sneakers and a block of time.

2. Cleaning – no kidding! I count cleaning as part of my exercise routine all the time. Vacuuming, dusting, changing beds… it’s definitely a cardio workout! I usually do my cleaning in one big chunk and move from one chore to the next pretty quickly. Intend to make cleaning exercise and you’ll be amazed at how quickly your heart rate comes up and you start sweating.

3. Play with the kids – my daughter and I love being outside. Her and I will toss a Frisbee, play badminton, kick a soccer ball, or go to the park. If I’m using play time as part of my fitness routine, I’ll make sure we set up an obstacle course, or that I have her throw the Frisbee farther so I have to run or walk to get it.

4. Strength Training Without Weights – don’t have a set of weights? Why not use soup cans or bottled water? You can even use gallon jugs. Do some bicep curls, triceps curls, squats, and sit-ups while you’re watching TV.

5. Then there’s the obvious – park farther away, take the stairs instead of the elevator, buy a pedometer and count your steps. These things really do add up – especially if you have a job where you’re sitting most of the day.

Your body craves movement…

That’s why it keeps nudging you to get started. As you move more and more, you’ll want to move more and more. And, as you move more and more, you’ll realize there are plenty of ways to move, without creating yet another thing on your to-do list.