How to Incorporate More Physical Activity Into Your Home Life

Exercising on a consistent basis is so important for good heart health. Why then do so many people say they cannot find the time in their busy days? This also includes vacation days and any given day when a person has the occasion to be at home? There are many ways to incorporate more physical activity into your home life whether you have lots of time on your hands or very little. This goes for whether you are home alone or whether you are chasing three little kids around.

Being at home affords you the convenience and the comfort of stress free physical activity that can be both safe as well as enjoyable. Keep in mind that physical activity can encompass many things and it does not have to be exhausting or strenuous to do the trick. Your heart will thank you if you are able to squeeze in at least 20 to 30 minutes of physical activity per day at home, and even more if possible. Let's look at ways to do just that.

If you have children it is beneficial for them to see you doing physical activities and it is quite possible to combine more than one activity such as using the treadmill while watching your favorite television program or listening to your favorite tunes while you mop the kitchen floor or clean the bathroom. Even if you do not enjoy housework, forego the temptation to hire someone else to do it. Housework burns calories and it involves plenty of physical activity. Choose different types of housework to tackle on different days of the week so you will not suffer from housework burn out.

Outdoor work is an excellent form of physical activity. While the kids skip, ride their bikes or play in the sandbox, mow the lawn, rake leaves, prune trees, dig in the garden, plant in the garden and whatever else needs to be done. Even putting out the garbage and getting recycled materials ready for pick up are forms of physical activity.

Walks are excellent for a cardiovascular workout so go for a short walk in the morning, afternoon, evening or twice a day if you like. If you are new to walking start with a five to ten minute walk and work up to 30 to 40 minutes down the line. If you have no one to walk with, bring along a Discman with your favorite sounds for company. If you need to make a quick trip to the local convenience store or pharmacy and it is in walking distance then leave the car at home and put on your sneakers! When walking, leisurely is fine but try to pick it up to brisk whenever possible. Also try to choose a route that has a hilly as opposed to just straight and flat as this will give you a better cardiovascular workout. Walking the puppy or dog is another way to get activity and you can guarantee that you will definitely keep moving!

When watching television work out with five pound weights and do spot exercises. Also it is better to sit in a chair or on the sofa as opposed to lying down when you are engrossed in a program. Finally, stand up as opposed to sitting down as often as possible, even when you are chatting on the telephone.