HEALTHY ACTIVITIES

Besides water intake, diet, and exercise, it’s key to get going and integrate some healthy, fun activities in your day. Here are just a few that have worked for me without adding any interruption to my day:

WALK/RUN

Briskly for at least 15 minutes – I squeeze a brisk walk after lunch at work or during breaks. I also purposely choose longer paths to getting places and even at my office, I pace back and forth to get moving during conference calls, etc.
Running is great. I do this for about 3 miles when I alternate with my bike rides. I start off walking slowly then pace myself to a brisk walk to then begin jogging and running consistently without breaks.

THINK STAIRS

Take the stairs vs. the elevator – If you work on high floors in a building, this is a great option. Even if you have to go to meetings (time permitting), always choose the stairs. At first it will be hard, but with time, it will get much easier! I must admit I was out of breath when I would reach my destination the first few times I tried it but with consistency and by repetition, things got much easier!

BIKE

Go for a ride around your area if possible. I do about 4 miles when I ride and I am lucky to have some hills and plain surfaces to shift gears and push myself a little bit each time. Even if you do this at the gym on a stationery one, it’s a great alternative to running or jogging (easy on the knees).

SWIM

This is the perfect full-body and cardio workout! I do mostly laps and leg work using a kick board. I have been swimming since I was 6 years old and swam competitively in high school and college. I recently got back into it since I started having more energy and was more motivated to kick the cardio machine into high gear doing something I have always loved. I do this once or twice a week and alternate it with my other workout routines.

PLAY

I play with my children as often as I can and it really helps me not only relax and burn calories, but also to connect with them in a very special way! They love it just as much as I do. This is so fun and high intensity also! Play hide and seek, horseplay, tag, sports (any).

DANCE

This is great whether or not you know how to – and in any style – I dance a lot with my wife at home and with the kids. We have dance parties after dinner to burn the energy before starting bath and bedtime routines for the children. They absolutely love this!

THINK GREEN!

I am not talking about recycling (although it is very important)! In this case, I mean mow the lawn. For me, this is a complete workout – I have a push mower and just recently bought a rider mower. Either way, it’s a great activity because I spend time outside, break a sweat, and lose plenty of calories. It’s a little more challenging with the push mower (even self-propelled) and if you are bagging the grass – I suggest to bag because of the additional work and the payoff (a nicer, mess-free lawn).

CLEAN

Not only will your spouse or significant other or even family members or friends appreciate it, you will get moving and produce some much needed endorphins that will ultimately make you feel relaxed. You will also have a clean house! This is an easy one since it’s probably already part of your routine.

ERRANDS!

Whether it's shopping for groceries or at the mall, this allows you to get out, walk, be alert (especially if you are bringing the kids along). I suggest when you go plan ahead and also, park as far as you can from the entrance so you can sneak in a brisk walk also!