Do you just hate exercising? Did you know that there are ways you can get a workout without ever setting foot in a gym, lifting a single dumbbell, or getting within 100m of a treadmill?
We’ve put together our ten favourite ways to get moving without even noticing you are exercising. We hope these help you incorporate a little movement into your day in a fun way!
1: Dance like nobody is watching (because they aren’t)
Put on your favourite playlist, close the blinds, turn up the volume, and dance! Do it just for yourself, involve the kids or grandkids- like sillier the better- or force your hubby to slow dance with you! It’s a fun way to shake off the frustrations of the week and work up a sweat!
2: Window shop
With Christmas just around the corner, it can be a great idea to check out gift ideas now. Stroll through the different stores at your own pace, hunt down the best bargains, or put together a list of gift ideas to discuss with other family members. You don’t even need to buy anything, and you’d be amazed at how much time you can pass when you are distracted and interested in what is around you.
3: Life is a game
Or it can be for a little while- Wii Fit games, Xbox 360 boxing or dancing games, or PS3 sports games can get you moving but in a really fun way that just doesn’t feel like exercise!
4: Be a clean freak
You can burn a surprising amount of energy scrubbing showers, vacuuming, mopping floors, wiping windows or mirrors, hanging out washing, or sweeping away cobwebs. Not only will your house sparkle, but you’ll have used many different muscle groups for a great overall workout.
5: Grow a green thumb
Gardening, pulling weeds, shifting soil, mowing lawns, raking leaves, clearing away branches. All of these require you to move your muscles. Another great thing about this is that you get outside in the fresh air, and this, plus physical movement is a winning combination for great mood.
6: Meet a friend
Make it someone you haven’t seen in a little while, where you will have lots to catch up on, and then head for a stroll along the beach, botanic gardens, or a nice park. Time will fly as you chat, and you’ll cover large distances without even realising it.
7: Have a garage sale or donate to charity
Going through old things, peeking into forgotten cupboards, clearing out the clutter. You’ll be lifting things, sorting things, packing things into boxes. Getting rid of things you don’t need or don’t use anymore will not only get you closer to your home looking like an IKEA showroom (well, lets say a step in the right direction), but will require you to be physical while doing it, and you’ll be distracted by the task at hand and not focusing on discomfort in your body.
8: Step it up
If you work or live in a building that is a couple of levels up, take them rather than the elevator. A few trips a day adds up to a whole lot of physical activity in a year.
9: Water therapy
If you have the option of getting into the ocean, a river with a bit of a current, or a wave pool, the simple act of staying upright against the motion of the water around you forces your muscles to work, without you really noticing. To you it just feels like a relaxing dip, a way to cool down. But those core postural muscles that keep you balanced are without a doubt getting a workout.
10: Get in touch with your inner child
If you don’t have kids or grandkids, borrow a couple from your neighbour, and offer piggybacks, swing a baby over your head and blow raspberries on their tummy, swing a kid or two around in circles, roll on the grass with them, play hide and seek. Play is contagious, and it’s hard to resist those big eyes when you get the request for “just one more time.” 
