It’s hard for idle people to get fit. Most don’t do or enjoy anything that promotes fitness. If sweating in a gym seems unsavory and you don’t believe that healthy food tastes good, you’ve got a long road ahead if your goal is to lose weight, build endurance, or increase strength. There are some things you can do that make getting fit easier and that fit into your lifestyle. These are healthy ways that don’t involve pills or other drastic measures.
Start by increasing your activity.
If you’re going grocery shopping, park further from the store and walk a few extra feet. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. If you’re really out of shape, start by taking the elevator and get off the floor before your destination, leaving just one set of stairs to climb. If you ride a bus to work, get off a few stops early and walk the rest of the way. Save yourself money and choose the cheaper option for entertainment apps like Hulu that include commercials. During those commercials, do exercises. You’ll make your wallet fatter and your waist thinner.
Make smarter decisions when you eat.
Learn ways to cut calories and boost nutrition. Keep fresh fruits and vegetables cut and ready for snacks. Avoid buying highly processed snacks that add extra pounds. If you don’t have them in your house, you won’t be tempted to eat them. Eat a large salad before your meal and chew your food longer. When you thoroughly chew each bite until it’s all liquid, it slows you down and gives your stomach time to signal the brain it’s full, so you eat less. Focus on the flavor, texture, and pleasure each bite gives you. It’s called mindful eating.
Keep your body moving, even when you’re sitting.
Tapping your toes or frequently shifting your weight burns extra calories. You can even do sitting leg lifts when you’re sitting at your desk. You may only burn an additional 100 calories a day, but that means you’ll burn an extra 3500 in 35 days. That’s the calorie deficit it takes to lose a pound, and you can accomplish it with little effort. Once every hour, get up and walk around or do an exercise. Studies show that sitting for longer than an hour without moving detracts from your health.
- Do isometric exercises. The stomach vacuum exercise builds core strength and improves abs. You can do it anywhere. With isometric exercises, you hold a position. Other isometrics include planks, wall squats, and glute bridges.
- Get adequate sleep. That’s the epitome of the lazy man’s way to fitness, but it works. Lack of sleep causes the body to increase the production of the hunger hormone and make less satiety hormone.
- Drink a large glass of water a half-hour before your meal. Studies show that you’ll eat fewer calories when you do. Switch out soft drinks for water or other no-calorie drinks.
- Use smaller plates when you eat. If it involves buying slightly smaller plates, do it. It tricks your brain into thinking you’re eating more.
For more information, contact us today at Next Level Fitness