Move More, Feel Better: Easy Ways to Stay Active

Let’s be honest, most of us spend way too much time sitting. Between work, travel, and just trying to relax, it’s easy for movement to fall to the bottom of the list. But staying active doesn’t mean long or intense workouts. It’s really about finding simple ways to move more throughout your day. If you’re looking for a little inspiration, here are some easy tips to help you get moving and keep your body feeling its best.

Get Outside

This may seem like an obvious one, but there are numerous ways to stay active outside. Here are my favorite ways to stay active while outdoors.

• Hiking Trails

  We have a ton of great hiking trails all around us. I use an app called AllTrails. It maps out trails nearby and gives directions, reviews, pictures, and tips. You can rate the trail and also connect with others in your area.

  

• Biking

  Biking is so much fun, with friends or even just a relaxing ride on your own. We are very fortunate to have many biking trails nearby. There is even a biking event in our area where you can ride with others to local breweries and complete cool scavenger hunts. It's easy to rent a bike if you don't own one. Google biking events and trails in your area to find some near you.

  

• Walking Trails

  The app I mentioned above also provides lists of great walking trails and parks. If you don't have any of those nearby, walk on a school field (if allowed), a college campus, or downtown shopping area. I know I am specifically speaking about outdoors here, but I've also walked the local mall and airport before when we were doing step challenges at work and needed a quick place nearby to get in some steps during a lunch break.

Inside Activities

What if it's raining or you can't get outside? I mentioned walking around a mall in the previous point, but I am going to get a little more specific here. Let's talk about some ways to stay active inside.

• Free YouTube Workout

  99% of my workouts are strength training in my home garage gym, but when I want to mix it up or even want to have an active rest day, I will search YouTube for a good dance workout or yoga flow. There are so many to choose from, and the best part is, they are free, and you can do it right in your living room! You have no excuse not to move when it's that easy.

  
  

• Clean the house

  Ok, this one doesn't seem very fun, but the house needs to be clean, and this is a good way of thinking about the daunting process. At least you can burn calories while you clean. I do not like to clean, so I came up with a cute weekly printable with cleaning activities, and I think of it as a mini workout session every time. It's a great way to tackle two things at once.

  
  

• When you feel like scrolling, get up and pace

  I do this all the time. I sit down thinking I'm just going to scroll for a second, and then I think, I should probably do something more valuable with my time. So I get up and either pace the living room or walk the hall. If I find myself scrolling while doing this, at least I'm getting in my steps and not just sitting.

  
  

In the Office

What if you work at an office and sit most of the day?

• Invest in a standing desk

  This is one of the best investments I've made. I got my desk on Amazon, and it was easy to put together. I can lower it to sit or raise it to stand. It makes it super easy to choose how I want to spend my day. I've noticed I don't get that 3 pm restlessness when I am standing most of the day. Since I'm already up, I find myself using my time more efficiently to work and run to the kitchen to start lunch or throw in a load of laundry. Maybe it's mental, but I get more done when I am standing.

  
  

• Take the stairs when walking in buildings and while at work

  This is one of my favorite ways to be more active while working in the office. Number one, I don't have to wait for the elevator. Number two, there is no awkward small talk, and number 3, I am building my glutes every time I take the stairs. It's a no-brainer for me.

  
  

• Frequent stretching

  There are so many desk stretching workouts out there. Give it a Google and try one out while you sit. If you don't want to get fancy, just stand up and twist your spine or do a quick back stretch, cat-cow, or chest opener.

Staying active doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming; it’s all about finding little ways to move more throughout your day. Whether it’s taking the stairs, stretching during a break, or going for a walk somewhere new, every bit of movement adds up. The key is consistency and making it enjoyable. So find what works for you, keep it simple, and keep moving. You’ve got this!