...a round of hoops in the driveway or back yard badminton can really bring you a “burst” of energy that releases endorphins.

exercise in convenience

Simple steps you can take (literally) to become more active

by Tony Romano

You’ve heard the constant refrain, “get more exercise.” Sure, it’s a way to better health and a trimmer physique — but does it have to be so time-consuming? “Do I really need to go out and buy fancy athletic shoes, join a club and devote half my free time to toning up?” you ask.

Adding a good exercise regimen to your lifestyle doesn’t have to be an inconvenience. It can be incorporated into things you already do every day. Here are some ways to increase your physical activity without going too far out of your way:

Yard work. Gardening or weeding in the spring and summer, raking leaves in the fall and shoveling snow in the winter are all great forms of aerobic exercise. Be careful with the lifting and twisting when shoveling snow or raking leaves, so as not to injure yourself. But overall, yard work is a fun way of being outdoors, accomplishing chores that need done and burning off a lot of calories.

Housework. When the weather’s just too crummy to work outside, there’s still plenty to do indoors to maintain a household. Cleaning, dusting, scrubbing and doing laundry (carting the clothes back and forth and/or folding them) are good ways of keeping your body in motion and once again getting some necessary tasks done.

Walk rather than drive. For the most part, being a “mobile society” means our cars are indispensable. But there are some places you need to go that are so close, it’s almost silly to drive there. Library and bank branches, elementary schools and convenience stores (located for our convenience, right?) are often places where a brisk walk would be ideal. Not only does this save you some pricey gas and accomplish a needed task but walking is one of the best cardiovascular exercises there is.

Stairs instead of the elevator. It’s not a big thing, but over time it can make a difference. Climbing a flight or two of stairs gets your blood circulating and burns calories. It also saves you the embarrassment of hitting the “2” button from a first-floor lobby when others are going up 25 floors.

Park farther from the building. Whether at the office building or the mall, parking away from the entrance helps you incorporate extra healthy steps into your daily routine. It has the added benefit of protecting your vehicle from potential door-dings and spares you the stress of fighting for the closest spot. This wouldn’t be the best strategy in the dead of winter, but as the weather gets nicer it will have more appeal.

Hiking. One of the most popular forms of outdoor recreation, hiking requires no expensive equipment (other than a decent pair of shoes; “fancy” ones are up to you). It’s something you can do solo or with others, and it can be done as close to home or as far away as you choose. Of course, an individual’s definitions of “hiking” versus “walking” may vary. But there’s no denying that a leisurely stroll through your neighborhood or an energetic trail trek through one of Ohio’s scenic parks will each benefit your body by increasing metabolism, boosting your energy level and burning off extra calories.

Back yard/Pick-up sports. Another popular activity that heralds the coming of summer weather are outdoor games that bring family and friends together. You don’t even have to go anywhere. Volleyball, football and Frisbee seem to be perennial favorites, and most of us have played these games since childhood. Now that you’re grown up, a round of hoops in the driveway or back yard badminton can really bring you a “burst” of energy that releases endorphins, gets blood pumping from head to toe and helps you feel great. Just be careful to avoid injuries. Have fun this spring! 

Tony Romano is communications coordinator for Nationwide Health Plans. 

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