Jordan Yaklin.
Not everyone wants to spend hours at the gym. Most people don’t. Often times people work hard all day and don’t want to eat up what little free time they have for hobbies by going to the gym and doing what feels like punishment. This doesn’t mean you can find creative and easy ways to get physical activity into your day.
Below are five easy ways to sneak in some physical activity without feeling like you got attacked by a crazed bugbear.
5. Parking in the farthest spot in the parking lot.
This is self-explanatory. Just pretend you are Frodo simply walking into Mordor. This is a quick and easy way to get steps in and plus, chances are you won’t be parking near anyone, so you won’t have to worry about people dinging your car!
4. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.
This might be a daunting task for those who work on 69th floor but start small. Take the elevator to the 68th floor and walk up one flight of stairs. Slowly progress and you might be surprised as to how far you can actually go.
3. Get some reps in during your favorite show or game.
How many hours do you spend watching TV or playing video games? I’m not saying you need to sacrifice that time to go to they gym. That is probably the only time you actually get to sit and relax and wind down for the night. What I am suggesting is that every 15 minutes do something. You could do 5 pushups, 5 bodyweight squats, or 10 crunches. This might not seem like a lot, but that’s 4 sets an hour. That quickly adds up. This can also be done at easy breaks like between matches of MTG or after your turn in a side quest.
This actually has two purposes. First, you are getting exercises, obviously, but this will also increase blood flow to the brain and muscles so it can make you more awake and alert so you can be more alert and have sharper skills.
Bonus points if you stand while watching your show or playing your game. That also counts as physical activity.
2. Download an app to help you get up and get moving.
Pokémon GO hit the world by storm years ago and rightfully so. It made walking outside actually enjoyable. Find yourself an app that allows you to get up and move either indoor or outdoor and get moving. My personal favorites are Pokémon GO and the Zombies, Run! apps. There are countless apps our there, don't be afraid to try new things!
1. Enact what your character does!
This one is my favorite. How many times have you sat at the table of a D&D game and waved your arms in the air mimicking what your character was doing when the DM asked you, “How do you want to do this?” Well, do this, but with the full body. Whether you’re playing an epic D&D campaign or slaying beasts as Geralt of Rivia, mimic everything they do and you will undoubtedly be sweating after a long combat. This is also pretty much LARPing and you might love doing this so much you decide to pick up a new hobby!
See, who said tabletop and video games are for the lazy. I hope you find these tips and tools useful. Stay tuned for more!
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