So, can you get fit with no effort? Some would argue no until blue in the face. But believe it or not, some activities help you stay in shape without the hassle and strict regimens! Of course, you won’t be toned like a tennis champ overnight, but you can keep some weight off!
Dedicate Yourself to Something
Rule number one: exercises should always be fun! Why put yourself through something that hurts, hurts more, and then piles on some more hurt? Straining yourself will only make you want to quit. But when you find something you enjoy, you find it easier to commit to doing it more. Some more enjoyable exercises include group or private pilates, yoga, and simple treadmill running. When you enjoy the training, you can make it much more manageable.
Get Fit with No Effort by Walking
You can reap enormous physical health benefits with no effort at all! Sounds too good to be true? Well, we aren’t lying! Just a 15-minute walk daily is enough to keep weight off, tone muscles, and reduce the chances of severe heart issues. Now, can you really say you can’t spare a quarter of an hour for a little walk? You can also make it more enjoyable by walking somewhere nice. Take the dog to the park, or just step out for some air around your town.
How About a Dip?
Some people like to be dry, and some enjoy being wet. Swimming is an enjoyable activity, especially with others or the kids! So how does it help? First, it gets you out of the house, which is always a plus! But swimming also uses every muscle group in your body. So, just by doing a few laps, frogging around, or playing with the kids, you get a workout while you have fun. And no, cannonballs don’t count! It’s also a great excuse to hit the sauna before you leave!
Chores to Get Fit with No Effort
Like walking, you can do many passive things to get around the home with no effort. Most chores require a lot of energy, so we probably don’t like doing them in the first place. But they must be done. So why not use them to your advantage? Consider these:
- Washing the car can be fun and requires vigorous actions for a quick energy burst.
- Vacuuming the home works your arms well, so alternate for a good workout.
- Cleaning the bathroom requires using almost every muscle group, so go hard!
- Try rapidly mopping the floor for an excellent workout for your arms and legs.
- Carrying laundry between rooms and the basement could count as strength training.
Putting a bit more energy into daily chores will use your muscles more meaningfully. This can help you achieve workout goals and contribute to overall wellness as you go about your day!
Drink Enough Water
Okay, so drinking water won’t do much to get you fitter. But it is an ideal way to stay in shape very passively. Water is required to maintain your cells and maintain energy throughout the day. If you keep yourself thirsty, you will find that your energy levels go up and down. Water also helps with muscle repair after a workout. Of course, you don’t need to drink much water either. You can have some fun by trying ingredients high in water, such as fruit and vegetables.
Leave the Car Now and Then
Walking is known to help keep you fit without even trying. If you do walk each day, then you are on the right track. But how about walking more when leaving the car? For example, if it's close enough, you can walk to work one or two days per week. Walking about 2,000 steps a week or approximately 1 mile daily burns enough calories to lose 1 pound. Over a year, you would lose 12 pounds. Just in time to put it all back on again over the holidays!
Always Take the Stairs
The trick to getting fitter with minimal effort is to do things that don’t feel like exercise. Many modern conveniences are designed to make things easier, much to our detriment sometimes. Elevators are a perfect example. Taking the stairs requires much more effort and works your leg and back muscles. So, if you have to walk up a few flights of stairs at the office, doing so will contribute to your weekly or daily fitness goals, such as walking more steps or doing leg exercises.
Summary
Finding something you enjoy, like pilates, will help you get fit with no effort at all. Even doing household chores with a bit more energy will help. But how about working a bit harder? Taking the stairs and leaving the car now and then will contribute to your fitness goals.
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