I went for another long run today, but seeing as I used the heatwave as an excuse to not run all week I didn't expect to meet my long distance goal of 7km. Instead I set out just hoping that I hadn't back slid so much that I wouldn't be able to do 5km any more.
As I was running I was amazed to realize that I would not only easily be able to achieve the 5km but that I seemed to be doing it at a faster speed and with more energy than I had a week earlier. This led me to consider what I had done that week that could have contributed to my level of fitness, without any regular workouts. If indeed my lifestyle alone is enough to maintain a steady fitness level then I think that advice is worth sharing... ( In all honesty the caffeine hit from a soy flat white I drank before my run may have also helped with energy... but for the sake of this advice holding any merit I'll choose to believe it wasn't the main factor!)
How to stay fit without actively trying:
1. Dance. While I'm working on Friday and Saturday nights I spend a lot of time dancing away behind the bar while pouring drinks. Dancing is incredibly good for fitness, is a total body workout and it burns roughly 450 calories an hour. Incorporating dancing into your everyday life is easy and fun. Say yes to heading out to the club with your friends and dance the night away, or keep it simple at home by turning the music up and dancing around your kitchen while preparing dinner. (I've been known to do this often too!).
2. Play with children. As well as working at the bar I do some casual hours as a childcare worker and I can honestly say if you need to sneak in some fitness kids will definitely help you do that and then some. If you have kids of your own spend some time actively playing with them; offer to babysit for a friend, borrow the neighbours children.... however you choose to do it time with little ones is not only good exercise but I think pretty good for the soul too.
3. Active socialization. Our day at the swimming hole yesterday was very active. In between the walking, aqua jogging, swimming and general frolicking I know I felt the physical exertion! Next time you're catching up with a friend instead of sitting down to dinner or coffee think up something active to do together - kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, swimming or just an evening walk with the dogs. You and your friends will all feel better for it.
4. Walk more. I tend to be one of those people who parks far away from where they want to be. This is mostly because I hate driving around in circles seeking the "perfect" park when I could have already parked farther away and walked by the time I find it (or the perfect park never even appears!). Whatever the reason you have for creating time to walk try and do it as often as you can. Get off the train or bus one station early, walk to the local shops and save yourself some fuel, give the dogs some extra exercise...
4. Housework. A few days ago I described my new-found love for 'Keeping house' and listed a few of the benefits. I should have added it's contribution to my fitness levels to that list! I spent the day on Saturday vacuuming, sweeping, mopping and cleaning. This, as well as my daily laundering and picking up after myself all burns calories, lifts the heart rate and keeps the body moving. And it leaves your homely space looking great.
I am a firm believer in making time for exercise; I love my regular runs and I love going to the gym but I am glad that under the heatwave circumstances I was still able to stay fit, without even realizing it! Now that the temperature has cooled I have my eyes back on my goals. Wednesday I will aim for the 7km run I meant to do today; and next Monday it's 10km time! In between those runs I guess I'll be making sure I'm doing as much dancing, playing with children, active socialization, walking and housework as I can!
Well said!
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