Hello, I’m Himanshi, and I openly admit to being a bit lazy when it comes to exercise! Now, you might be saying, “Wait a minute, we always see your Instagram stories of you biking or heading to the gym.” The truth is, I need to psych myself up to go, and I’ll do just about anything to avoid it. But here’s the twist – when I do manage to get there, I feel so much better afterward. While I may not relish getting sweaty or struggling into a sports bra (which feels like a workout on its own!), I’ve come to appreciate the positive results from maintaining a regular fitness routine. So, here’s the lazy person’s guide to exercise.
Ways to get fit if you’re lazy AF
After years of reading countless articles, listening to personal trainers, and tuning in to fitness gurus, I’ve compiled the only exercise tips that I find truly achievable. Without further ado, I present to you… the lazy person’s guide to exercise.
1. Stand up once an hour
We’re all aware that prolonged sitting is detrimental to our health. Are you lounging on the sofa or slouched over a keyboard without even taking a break for lunch? Make a deliberate effort to stand up at least once every hour. Take a trip to the restroom, prepare a drink, or head upstairs (even if it means climbing the stairs). Personally, I use a FitBit, and it vibrates 10 minutes before the hour if it hasn’t registered any movement, serving as a helpful reminder to stay active.
2. Walk for at least 20-minutes a day
While it’s more convenient in the summer or during dry weather, achieving a 20-minute walk is feasible. Utilize the legs you have and start moving. Many of us developed a habit of walking more during lockdown, exploring our neighborhoods. Don’t allow that positive routine to fade away. A daily walk can work wonders for both your health and mental well-being.
3. Home workouts
You don’t need to leave your house for a workout. Numerous free exercises and home workouts can be done in your living room or garden. If you’re feeling energetic, YouTube offers thousands of workouts from fitness gurus like Joe Wicks – The Body Coach, Jillian Michaels, or HASfit. Dust off old fitness DVDs or explore stretching, yoga, and Pilates routines for a lower-impact option.
Of course, creating a beginner-friendly gym routine is another option. If you’re up for it, grab your trainers and take up running, as you’ve always said you would.
4. Don’t worry about how long your workout lasts
As the saying goes, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. You don’t have to do it all at once. Starting with 5-10 minutes is perfectly fine. Your fitness levels will improve over time, allowing you to gradually increase the duration. The important thing is to get moving. Remember, any exercise is beneficial, and the key is to take that first step.
5. Spend some time in bed
Exercise can be enjoyable, and sex is one form of it. Sexual activity can be surprisingly effective at burning calories. According to some sources, women can burn up to 90 calories during a sex session. So, why not choose between a run or some quality time with your partner? (And consider preparing with Woo Woo!)
6. Work out during the adverts
Rather than fast-forwarding through commercials, consider doing squats, sit-ups, or press-ups during the ad break. If you’re binge-watching on Netflix, turn off the auto-play feature. Place the remote on the other side of the room, forcing you to get up and put on the next episode.
7. Reward yourself
Set achievable workout goals at the beginning of the week or month. Explore the benefits of goal-setting. Treat yourself when you reach your fitness, weight, or personal best targets. Maybe some stylish new gym gear will be the perfect reward to look forward to.