Prior to coming home a few weeks ago, my definition of an active lifestyle was a bit different then it is now. I used to think that working out for 45-60 minutes a day, most days of the week, made my lifestyle an active one. Well, a few things have dawned on me over the past few weeks, but first a little background.
For the past two years, I lived alone. That meant that when I came home, I would cook dinner, eat, and sit and watch TV for a bit before going to sleep. My morning workouts were pretty much the only “active” part of my day. I honestly didn’t think much of it, so this way of life continued until I quit my job and came home for a bit before the wedding.
This was pretty much me after 6 pm
Obviously, my new routine at home is drastically different from what it was when I was working. Instead of sitting at a computer for eight hours, I’m out and about doing things, continuously moving. Now, I know that most of us (including me after July 9th) don’t have the option to stay at home and be active, but by being able to live differently over the past few weeks, I personally believe that I need to be more active outside of my regular workouts, even at work. And trust me, I know what’s like to have no energy and feel absolutely drained after working for eight to ten hours, but it’s important! If you don’t believe me, read this article from Men’s Health.
I want to live a truly active lifestyle. And so far, I’ve brainstormed the following random ways to do so…
– Wake up and stretch for a few minutes, maybe even walk in place
– Park far away from the entrance of any building (work, grocery store, mall, etc.)
– Take the stairs whenever possible
– Do planks while watching TV
– Play music while cooking dinner and dance (I’m going to make Vishnu do this with me!)
– Walk around when talking on the phone instead of sitting
– Find the restroom farthest from my office and use it instead of a closer one
– Get up from my desk every 30 minutes to stretch and walk in place
A big fear of mine was that I would gain weight when I came home. My workouts are less hardcore than they were before, and I eat my mom’s food most days of the week. So you can imagine my surprise when I stepped on the scale for the first time in over a month to discover that I actually lost a couple of pounds. I really do think that I haven’t gained any weight simply because I’m moving a lot more – I randomly dance around the house, I help my parents in the backyard, I clean the kitchen every night after dinner (wipe down the counters, sweep the floors, and wash the dishes), etc. Whereas before, I would make a beeline for the couch after work and pretty much stay there most of the night.
Every little bit of movement counts, and in the long run, it probably counts more than the 45-60 minutes a day that I dedicate specifically to my workouts.
Do you live an active lifestyle? What are some ways you sneak movement into your day?
I struggle to imagine you gaining weight from seeing your photos over the last few months! But maybe that is because you have been careful to work out! Alas, I don’t have you inner ‘shokti’ as we would write it here. I wish I did…
I love this post, P! I am guilty of thinking that I can be lazy the rest of the day because I did my session at the gym- so not true! We were made to be active, even outside the gym! Thanks for reminding me of easy ways to incorporate more activity into my day! Living on the 15th floor, climbing the stairs (at least halfway up) is the most doable for me! I also like to do squats/lunges while I wait for the kettle to boil!
So true. I try to take one or two ten or fifteen minute walks while I’m at work, but I’m still sitting soooooo much. I’m a morning workout person too, and it’s hard to not just plop on the couch after a long day. I’ve started doing a little evening yoga – every little bit helps!
I wish I were more active during the day. 🙁 But I do try- sometimes I go on walks during lunch and find random reasons to get up and walk around the office.
That’s why I love weekends. My workouts are not always longer, but it’s ok because I’m walking with the roommate, or walking to the grocery store, or cleaning, or something else that requires a wee bit of movement here and there…
wow, parita our lifestyle sounds very similar and I can kinda of relate to it as I am reading it. kudos for the game plan on being active. I am mostly at the gym or nearby park and run..and come home and couch is where I spend rest of my evening!
great ideas Parita. I feel like my walk to and from the subway is so annoying, but it’s kinda good thing i do it. I could add more exercise though, especially after dinner a night walk.
I used to feel the exact same way…I’d do my hour in the AM and then sit in front of my computer the rest of the day. And now I realize that I need to at least stretch after work…one hour at the gym just doesn’t cut it.
great post! i LOVE the planks while watching TV idea!! i’m definitely stealing that one!
Yes, this is so true! I always try to be active throughout the day rather than just during my workouts. It really helps keep my energy up. 🙂