If you’re looking for ways to up your fitness game, you’d better become one! Whether you’re a baby boomer, older adult, or younger person, changes in lifestyle habits don’t just fall in your lap. To increase your physical activity level or optimize eating habits, you need to grab every opportunity that looks even vaguely helpful.
For example, we went out to breakfast yesterday. My husband and I were meeting our daughter and her kids, but she called to say she’d be late. We were already halfway to the restaurant. Instead of sulking, I seized on the opportunity to get some walking in! After all:
- the parking lot where the restaurant is located was fairly empty (Sunday morning)
- it was 72 degrees outside and wouldn’t be that cool again for about 20 hours
- I had the appropriate shoes and clothing on
- there was still lots of shade
So I hopped out of the car once we parked at our destination and got 15 minutes of cardio in before 9:00 am! Great start to my day.
Are you optimizing your opportunities for fitness and healthy eating? Here are some suggestions to get you started:
- First, know your fitness goals so you’re aware of what to be watching for. Are you trying to get more walking in, stop at the gym twice a week, drink more water, eat more fruits and vegetables?
- Always be aware of what’s happening and watch for openings in time. For example, are you going shopping? Don’t be as organized as usual and crisscross the store a few times. Too hot to walk? Go to the mall or big box store for space to stroll. Keeping score at a baseball game? Walk while your grandkids are warming up on the field. Walk up and down the hall or outside in front of your house if you need to get to your step goal before your head hits the pillow. You get it; be creative, think outside the box, and just do it, whether you have someone to accompany you or not.
- Trying to add more water to your daily intake? Keep a water bottle with you at all times and re-fill as needed. If you have no water bottle, look for a drinking fountain (they’re still out there!). And you can get a free small glass of water or ice at most fast food establishments if you’re on-the-go.
- Can’t get to the gym? Do squats or push-ups while watching TV. Grab cans of veggies or fruits from your pantry (the biggest ones you can handle) and walk around the house with them.
- Keep fruits and vegetables with you at all times, in convenient portions and containers. A small box of raisins is a great snack (eat with some nuts or cheese) or a small container of vegetable juice.
With a little creativity, there are ways to take advantage of unexpected openings in your schedule to slip in some positive lifestyle options.
For information about how to look for opportunities to get more fit, give me a call!
We can discuss some practical tips and discover if any of my programs or classes are a good fit for you.
If you’d like to schedule that call with me, just CLICK THIS LINK, and let me know in the message that you would like a 1-on-1 call with me right away and I will be in touch to schedule that – oh, and leave me your phone number in there too since email is not as reliable as it used to be! Thanks.
Lisa Teresi Harris is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Personal Trainer and author of the book Building Your Enduring Fitness. A certified Geri-Fit Instructor, she helps Boomers and seniors to regain and keep muscle strength, mobility, and energy.
Contact Lisa to inquire about a customized, in-home fitness program for you or a loved one.