Top incidental activity tips

If lack of time is challenging your New Year fitness goals, try breaking up your exercise into multiple small bouts. Three 10-minute sessions can be just as effective as one 30-minute session.

The following tips are designed to help you be more active in your daily routine throughout the day. This will have enormous positive effects by improving your fitness, decreasing weight and helping you feel good.

Active parking: Instead of circling the car park looking for that perfect park, park further away from the shops and walk that little extra distance. You will generally save time and frustration as well as being more active.
Aisle assaults: In the supermarket walk up and down all the aisles. Even if you don’t need to buy foods in that aisle, you may even find some new, healthy foods to add to your shopping list!
Escalator escapes: Generally where there are escalators there are usually a set of stairs close by. Escape from the norm and take the stairs. If there aren’t any stairs near by, walk up the escalator.
Find a new lunch café: Try walking that little bit further from work and find a different place to eat lunch or take your own healthy lunch to work and walk to the local park. This is also a great way to meet new people.
Take comfortable walking shoes to work: This will allow you the freedom on nice days to have a gentle stroll during your lunch break, or to walk an extra tram/bus stop or two.
Take a 2 minute stress reliever: If the work and stress builds up, taking two minutes to get up and walk around can help to clear the mind, re-focus and feel better.
Move while watching: Try walking on the spot, ride an exercise bike or use a treadmill while watching TV. Remember it all adds up to help increase your energy expenditure.
Active ads: Instead of sitting there watching the same old boring ads why not get up and move around during the ad break. Try some stomach contractions or pelvic floor exercises.
Wriggly watcher: Don’t just find a comfortable position and stay in it, wiggle your legs, circle your feet or move your arms or hands. Remember every little bit helps
Move and groove: Turn on the radio and tap your hands or bop along to the music when driving.
Window shop: Window-shopping is not only enjoyable but it also helps to fit in some gentle activity throughout the day.
Walk while you talk: If a friend comes over for a social visit and it’s a nice day, why not visit a park or garden and go for a gentle stroll while you are catching up with the latest gossip.