We’ve all heard the saying that you should be working out or exercising for at least 30 minutes a day, but some days it can seem so hard to carve out a solid half hour to get this activity in. The good news is that nobody said you had to get this exercise done in one large chunk. You’ll still get the benefits if you break the exercise up into two or three more manageable sections. So today, we’re going to share five easy ways to get 15 minutes of exercise, and if you can check two of these off your list each day, you’ll meet the daily recommended activity threshold.
Five Easy Ways To Stay Active
Here’s a look at five easy ways you can get 10-15 minutes of exercise in during your free time.
1. Go For A Walk – Strap on the leash and take the dog for a quick walk, or just do a loop around the block by yourself. If you’re pressed for time, walk in one direction for half the time, then turn back around and you’ll be home right when you need to be. Walking the dog or with a friend is great because it’s an easy activity that doesn’t really feel like exercise, but it offers similar rewards.
2. Phone Call Walking – If you have to take a call at work or you’re catching up with friends or family on the phone at home, don’t take these calls sitting down. Pace around your house or simply get moving while you’re on the phone, and your body will thank you for it!
3. Outdoor Chores – No matter what season it is in Minnesota, you probably have some outdoor chores you could check off your list that will keep you active. Rake the leaves in the fall, shovel the snow in the winter, clean out the gutters in the spring or weed your garden in the summer. Odds are you can find an outdoor chore that can make your home or yard look a little more appealing and provide you with some daily activity.
4. Yoga – Yoga is a great activity because it can challenge your body while helping your mind relax. If you’re finding it hard to carve out time to exercise because you’re busy and stressed, try to squeeze in 10-15 minutes of focused yoga. You’ll be amazed how it can help both your body and mind.
5. Dance – Finally, one fun way to get your exercise in for the day is to throw a little dance party. Put on three of your kids’ favorite tunes and dance with them in the living room. Or if you’re a little embarrassed of your dance moves, dance where nobody is watching. Moving and grooving to 3-4 songs will have you meeting that activity threshold in no time.