3 Simple Steps to Daily Exercise (w/o being extreme)

We have so much stress and so little time. How can we manage the madness and FINALLY do something about exercising?! Let’s begin together and encourage each other with these 3 simple steps below.

Last week in 5 Energy Boosting Tips, one of the things we discussed was being active is as easy as getting up from your desk. I was amazed at how much more energized and less glazed over I felt walking a couple of times per day. 

God didn’t tell us to take care of our bodies to be annoying. He gave us parameters because He knew all the diseases and ailments we could experience if we didn’t. He wants us to live our best life and fulfill our destinies. We can’t do that if we aren’t operating at our best physical capacities.  

 

Here are 3 ways to simplify exercise and making it doable on a daily basis.

Step 1 – Get Up & Walk

At work, I can easily be glued to my desk for eight hours solid during the day staring at my computer screen. I was convinced that to be active I needed to spend a lot of time in the gym every week. In reality, there are simple things we can do like walking. Especially walking outside getting fresh air. It benefits you mentally, emotionally, physically, and potentially spiritually (if you pray or listen to worship for example).

Walking for 30 minutes a day can take inches off your waistline and prevent all sorts of health issues in the future. I have decided to walk a minimum of once per day going up and down flights of stairs at work. Set a reminder of when to walk on your email calendar or write a sticky note. If you feel like you can’t focus, it’s probably time to get up and stretch those muscles.

Step 2 – Chair Exercises from Your Desk

I’ve had back issues so I’ve found ways to exercise my core while sitting at my desk. Posture is very important while sitting for hours on end. Proper posture is sitting tall with your shoulders back and both legs straightforward and uncrossed on the ground. I have a hard time not crossing my legs (ughhh).

Exercises I’ve done seated at my desk are: leg extension/ knee raises (3 sets of 10), leg circles (3 sets of 10 both directions), arm circles (3 sets of 10 both directions), tightening of abdominal muscles (15 second hold & repeat 3 times), tightening of buttocks muscles (15 second hold & repeat 3 times), and upward arm stretch. Come up with your own daily routine. Pick 3 exercises that you will do at least once each day.

Step 3 – Exercise at Home

You don’t need workout equipment or weights to exercise. I exercise mostly from home or outside. Your body weight is enough if you do the right motions, slow and controlled. It’s key to have your core muscles (abs & buttocks) engaged while you do any workout.

So many people are overusing and putting so much stress on their joints. Jumping and running on concrete or a metal flat surface, for example, is very harmful to your body. You don’t have to kill yourself to have a great workout. Improper use of equipment is also very harmful to your body. I use Fitness Blender videos from a couple that you can find here: https://www.youtube.com/user/FitnessBlender

A Prayer For You

Lord, thank you for the life you have given me. Forgive me for not taking care of my body as I should. Show me how to be intentional about being active. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Do you consider yourself physically active? (at least 30 minutes per day)

Stay hopeful!