Sometimes you just need a few creative ways to jump-start a nonexistent fitness routine. Here are my 10 fun ways to get your fitness routine moving in the right direction. Each varies in difficulty and in discipline. And as always, touch base with your doctor before starting any exercise routine.
1) Remote Controlled: Leave the remote next to the television. Get up and walk over to change the channel, fast forward or adjust the volume.
2) Walk it Off: After dinner, instead of hitting the couch, grab a friend and walk outside for 30-45 minutes.
3) Do a Dirty Thirty: At work, instead of a snack break, use the time to do 30 reps of the following: pushups, crunches and deep squats. If 30 reps are a challenge, then start with fewer reps and add five each week.
4) Take the Stairs: In buildings with elevators – take the stairs up on odd-numbered days, and on even numbered days, take the stairs down; on Fridays go for both.
5) Commercial Break: Hop off the couch during television commercials and hold a plank. Try to stay up for one entire commercial. Work toward staying up for the whole commercial break.
6) Performance Superstar: During a song on any performance-based show (American Idol, The Voice, America’s Got Talent, Dancing with the Stars,) get up and dance vigorously for the length of a contestant’s performance.
7) Basket Case Biceps: At the grocery store, carry a basket in each hand instead of pushing a cart. Make sure to evenly distribute the weight between each basket. Buy-one-get-one end caps are great for this.
8) Lunch on the Run: Find a running mate and run during your lunch break, instead of running over to the nearest chain restaurant. Pack your lunch for after—it will be healthier and it will save you money.
9) Buddy Up: Personal accountability drives fitness success. Find a workout buddy and schedule times to meet up at the gym for workouts. You will show up more often than on your own.
10) Climb a Gator Mountain: Climb the steps inside the University of Florida football stadium.
John Carmean, GHF Training Marketing Director at Gainesville Health & Fitness
Follow me on Twitter @johncarmean