Incidental Exercise - that is, keeping fit while not even realising it.

In my experience as a Personal Trainer, there are just two groups of people: Those who have made a life-long commitment to keeping fit and those who find fitness sheer drudgery and something to avoid as best as possible. People in the first group already know how to squeeze some sort of movement, a little bit of sweat and the resulting feelings of achievement into their day.

For those in the second group, listen up! Incidental exercise isn't going to get you triathlon ready. But it will make your life sweeter. You will simply move more, which burns more kilojoules, which reduces weight gain, which gives you a healthier heart and body.

So here are some suggestions for adding exercise into your day:

• Walk more - set a couple of days a week to walk the kids to and/or from school.
• Walk more - choose a bus stop further away from home and work, then walk the difference.
• Get a back pack to replace your handbag and trainers to take off once you get to work. Pack exercise clothes and go for a 30 minute walk/jog with your colleague at lunch time rather than checking out the latest shoe collection at DJs.
• Take family walks (see the theme here?!)  It's amazing what your kids will tell you when you walk with them. This is especially valuable for parents with teenagers. Walking side-by-side, they are more inclined to open up than if they are talking directly to your face.
• If you only need a few grocery items, put a back pack on and walk to the supermarket.
• If you want to catch up with a mate, plan a walk together then the coffee, rather than meeting at a cafe and sitting the entire time.
• Play with your children - rather than reading that magazine at the park, get up and play football, bull rush, whatever with your kids. They will LOVE you for it.
• Set small, daily goals e.g. I will do 10 push ups and 20 squats and two 30 second planks each day. Then break it down so you achieve that goal - perhaps 5 push ups, 10 squats, one 30 second plank morning and night. Then increase the goal to 20 push ups, 40 squats and two 45 second planks. Make sure to get professional advice on how to perform the exercises with good form to prevent injuries.
• I have my yoga mat and foam roller set up in front of the t.v. At night whilst (ashamedly) watching Masterchef, I do stretches and rolling. Easy. My body sure appreciates it the next morning when my joints don't creak as much. 
• Use free online exercise videos. I love www.doyogawithme.com and www.yogadownloads.com. You can do a fantastic workout in just 20 minutes in the comfort of your own home.
• Smile while you exercise. It tricks the brain into thinking you are actually enjoying it. And who knows........ you just might start to enjoy it?!
• Keep Encouraging Yourself.

Thanks for your time.

Please contact me on louise.mavor@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Cheers

Louise