It’s a well-known fact that Americans are becoming more and more obese with each passing year. In fact, virtually the whole world is.
Even Jamaica is currently struggling with obesity, especially in women. I know, I just killed every fantasy you had of Jamaican women with bikini bodies.
We can blame it on genetics all we want, but ultimately those hips and that muffin top are our responsibility to trim down to a healthy size.
This can prove difficult in a tough economy, where many people work long hours and two jobs. Even so, here are four ways to work some exercise into your busy schedule.
1. Take the Stairs
Some companies lock the staircase off for emergencies only, but when you have the option to take the stairs, go for it. The escalator and elevator may save you some time and convenience, but it will cost you in medical bills and a few years off your life later on.
The recommended daily step-count for adults is 10,000. Install a pedometer app on your phone to see where you rank, and track your progress.
2. Bike to Work or the Store
They say you never forget to ride a bike, and most of us did a lot of riding as kids and in our teens. If you’ve never ridden a bike before, then it’s not too late to learn.
Biking to work and other nearby locations helps you burn calories, and tone your legs and butt. It also helps to improve cardiovascular health, while burning fat.
3. Sign up for Charity Runs and Walks
No one is too busy to give back to their community, or a cause. If you really want to make a difference, you’ll find a way. One easy way is to sign up for charity walks or runs.
Most companies sponsor an event like this at least once per year; whether for the goodwill, the amazing advertising opportunities, or both. Training with employees will build a sense of teamwork, while you burn those calories, and build your stamina.
4. Go Hiking
From the outside, hiking looks boring. You go into the woods, you walk, and walk, and walk, and then you go home. Who really wants to do that? Millions of people around the world every day, apparently.
Once you get into it, walking on hiking trails becomes not just a form of exercise for you and the dog, but a great place to clear your mind and appreciate life outside the hustle and bustle of the city.
In fact, even big cities have trails and parks nearby. You just need to find them.
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Finding time to exercise and stay fit when work and family obligations play tug of war with our time can be difficult. But with these tips, you’re sure to get in a few extra steps or even a 5KM run, to help take you one step closer to your fitness goals.
I like the charity walks/bikes suggestion. They are great ways to build friendships/community while also exercising. The community/cause aspect makes exercise more enjoyable!
That’s true. I first got into doing that at my old corporate job. We signed up for the CUMI run as a team, and it was really a game changer for our department and how we interacted with each other.
Nice tips. Hiking is one of my favorite things to do and I especially love hiking when I’m traveling. It’s two-fold because I get some great exercise in to make up for some of the over-indulgences when eating and I get fabulous views in a new place!
Hiking is my favourite outdoor adventure plan for sure. I’m yet to work some camping into the mix, but I’m working on it. Like you, I love hiking in new places too.
Important points to enjoy life more.
It is so sad to see obesity scalating among young children globally. When I was a child, as we used to play and run freely in the street and our mothers cooked proper food, we were all very thin and fit, but now that more and more women work, there just doesn’t seem to be enough time for what is good and healthy and more fast food is consumed. It is so easy to leave your kids in front of the TV or PC to keep then quiet rather than go out and do fun activities with them. I am afraid the world has changed so much in the last 20 years that sometimes I just can’t relate to ot any more.
Hi Fatima,
I agree that the obesity rates are terrible and disheartening but I wouldn’t blame women working for it.
Everyone is getting fat – from women to men to children to teens and everything in between. Even children of women who don’t work are fat.
I think the problem is more closely tied to exercise, or the lack thereof. Machines do most of the work for us now, especially transportation. And everyone is inside glued to screens instead of outside having fun.
Yes, it is a mixture of reasons and certainly lack of exercise is a big factor.
Good advice for slender people too! and not difficult at all , thank you!
This slender person follows the same advice, so you’re right haha. Thanks for dropping by 🙂
I’ve finally gotten off my arse and started exercising. It’s been rough; btween my COPD and general out-of-shapeness, I hurt quite often. Thanks for the pep-talk, I needed it, especially since I start back to work today.
Congrats on going back to work! And you’re welcome. I needed the pep talk myself. I’ve been slacking off. During the cold months I never want to walk further than my bed.
Got the time. Need the motivation.🙄
Six pack abs? That’s my motivation. 😂
Walking more is always great. You to see your community more while getting fresh air.
As long as it’s not cold lol
Ohh I haven’t been on a hike in awhike!
Likewise. I haven’t gone hiking since early December.
Agreed 💯!!!