By Marie Dufour RD – Some of the major excuses for not exercising, is “If only I had a treadmill, machines, a gym closer to home, etc…” Do you remember the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? They got in shape underground, using whatever they found (and ate pizza too!) So can you. Put that black headband on (mentally) and live Ninja-style.
I’m serious! Turn the TV and computer off, silence your phone, put some music on and look around you. Take an inventory of your space and your daily routine.
- 3′ x 3′ floor space – Start dancing.
- Steps: do you have at least 1 step in your environment? You can now do some simple step routine to the music.
- Stairs: go up and down, at your pace. Forget the elevator!
- No weights? Use a set of workout rubber bands or an old bike tire bladder for lifts, curls and rows.
- Play ball with the kids. Must stay indoors? Crawl on the carpet with them, create your own games.
- Housecleaning chores: make every squat count; move a little faster; stretch that vacuum cleaner hose.
- Grocery shopping, post office errand, kids to school: wear a backpack, then walk or bike.
- Commuting: bike or walk. Obesity is 50% less likely among male active commuters than other men (CARDIA Study)
- Commuting by car? Park as far as you can from your workplace, keep flat heels or tennis shoes for the walk across the parking lot or for a walk in the park on your way home.
- Stuck in traffic? Do isometric exercises: squeeze that gluteus muscle!
You get the idea. Being physically active is not about weights and the gym. For some, being physically active is natural and takes no thinking. For others, it takes commitment and thinking. But it can be fun and will result in better health in the end.
So, what’s your Ninja strategy?
Filed under: Lifestyle , active commuting, exercise, healthy lifestyle, healthy living, Marie Dufour RD, obesity, time management, weight control, weight loss, workout
