We all know the importance of daily movement and exercise for a healthy mind and body. When we take time to work out or attend a fitness class, we benefit both mentally and physically. But, for many, the idea of going to the gym every day or attending a fitness class can be intimidating or just not fun. With so much to do and what feels like so little time, there are actually many ways to get moving that don’t involve going to the gym.

There can be so much focus on the exercise part that people forget that it is important just to move our body and stay active in an enjoyable way.

5 Daily Movements:

1. Gardening
   For many, gardening can be a very enjoyable and calming activity that improves mental well-being. Most people can spend hours planting fruits, vegetables, and flowers or tidying their garden and that can be physically tiring work that works out the entire body. All the stretching, lifting, bending, and digging that you do whilst gardening can improve strength, and flexibility and burn up to 300 calories an hour.

2. Running errands
   It can sometimes feel impossible to make time to sit down and relax, especially when your days off are spent running around completing errands. But did you know that a day spent running around town gives your body a good workout? Think of all those heavy grocery bags that you carry home as weights and all the walking around adds up to your daily steps that you would’ve done on a treadmill. A full day of running errands and ticking off your to-do list comes close to a light cardio workout.

3. Daily Walks
   Walking isn’t an intense activity, but can be extremely effective. You can take walks at any time of the day, for as long as you’d like, and for most of us, it's easier to incorporate walks into our daily routine. According to research, walking for an hour can burn up around 150 calories. Whether it’s walking to work, walking the dog, or meeting up with loved ones for a daily chat and walk, this all counts towards our daily exercise.

4. Dancing around the house
   If you don’t already play your favourite songs to sing and dance around the house, then you should because not only does it give you a major mood boost, but it also gives your body a workout. Dancing for a long time works all parts of your body from your core to your arms and legs. Whether it’s through a dancing class or when you’re alone at home, you can burn calories, tone muscles, and improve your physical strength. Plus, it’s a lot of fun to play your favourite songs and dance like no one is watching!

5. Sex
   Studies have found that women can actually burn 5 calories per minute while having sex. The activity gets your heart pumping, releases stress, and burns calories. Even though it doesn’t count as a replacement for the gym, with the calories you’ll be burning and the enjoyment you’ll get out of it, it’s better than nothing.

Note: That Girl Journals is not a specialist or medical service. Always consult with a qualified health professional if you have any concerns regarding your mental and physical health.