How to incorporate exercise into your life

A sedentary lifestyle can have a serious impact on one’s health. In fact, too much sitting can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association. In a study cited by the association, adults who watched more than four hours of television daily had a 46 percent increased risk of death and an 80 percent increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Unfortunately, work environments are not always conducive to physical activity, with tight deadlines and long to-do lists often gluing people to their workstations. If you spend a majority of the day at work, here are some great ways to get moving during your free time:

Go beyond traditional exercise.

Becoming active doesn’t necessarily mean elliptical machines and running laps. Find outlets for exercise that excite you, such as hip-hop dance, yoga or kickboxing. If you want to add a bit of competition to the mix, give long-distance races or obstacle courses a try; such events can be a great excuse to travel, as they take place all over the world.

Get active with coworkers. 

Many experts agree that leaning on friends and coworkers as exercise partners can help boost motivation. In fact, the exercise habits of people you know have a positive influence on your own routine, according to a study published in “Psychology of Sport and Exercise.”

Make time to move. 

Long workdays can make finding ways to get blood flowing difficult. Set an alarm that reminds you on the hour to move around or stretch. Consider a desk that converts to a standing position so you can be on your feet a portion of the day. Use the stairs. There are many ways to squeeze in time for exercise while maintaining productivity.

Do your heart a favor and find what activities work for you. New forms of exercise and activity make spending time outside of work engaged in physical activity easier than ever before.

Courtesy of StatePoint