Remember the days when you didn’t have to think of your playful activities as exercise? You did them because you enjoyed them, not because you had to.
While the winter months make it harder for us to keep moving, there’s always an opportunity to think outside of the box when it comes to fitness. Even if cold temperatures prevent you from heading to the gym, you can stay fit even while you’re at home or on the go.
Ready to work out without actually working out?
Here are our top tips on incorporating healthy movement into your daily routine.
1. Practice Beginner Yoga
With its complex poses and supple practitioners, yoga can feel intimidating at first. Relax! No one starts the practice as a professional. Incorporating yoga into your exercise regimen has several benefits for cancer survivors, including better sleep and improved mobility. Start where your body is today, and work your way through the movements. With small but consistent steps, you’ll improve faster than you think.
2. Schedule an Active Trip
Moving your body shouldn’t and doesn’t have to be a chore. If you appreciate travel or exploring new areas in your community, incorporate these joys into your exercise plan. Schedule a local trip or one to a far-off place to motivate you to increase your daily activity. When you’re planning your itinerary, you can include the following activities:
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Kayaking
- Biking
The outdoor possibilities are endless, especially if you expand your radius. Breathing fresh air and discovering new natural locations are just a few of the extra advantages of developing an active agenda.
3. Join a Dance Class
If you’ve never tried a dance class before, there are several different styles, including ballet, swing, hip-hop, ballroom, and more. Think about the types of music you enjoy listening to or exploring and find out if there is a dance studio near you that offers classes! If you like music, dancing to it will feel less like exercise and more like a hobby.
4. Try Something Outside of Your Comfort Zone
Interested in a change of scenery? Try adopting a more adventurous type of exercise, like:
- Rock climbing
- Martial Arts
- Boxing
- Rollerblading
Even if unconventional isn’t your exercise of choice, at least you can say that you tried!
5. Clean Your Home
Cleaning itself may not seem like the most fun way to spend your day, but adding music to the mix can create an entirely new atmosphere! Invest in a Bluetooth speaker or wireless headphones and let your favorite songs lead the way. Who says you can’t have a dance party when doing the laundry? You’ll not only move your body, but you’ll create a tranquil and serene space after just a few sessions.
6. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Walking
When you’re looking for easy ways to stay fit, don’t overlook the simple things. According to the Mayo Clinic, walking itself can help improve cardiovascular fitness, and strengthen muscles and bones. Walking can also prevent or manage conditions including high blood pressure and heart disease. Make it social and invite your friends, family members, or dog for a walk. Everyone will become a little healthier with every step.
Results and goals go far beyond what the scale may show, so don’t get too caught up in immediate weight changes. Being a cancer survivor brings extra life hurdles, but you can still have control over your overall health and well-being. If you’re searching for an additional resource to help you through this new chapter of life, Survivor Fitness is ready to provide you with the tools and guidance to accompany you through this new beginning.