Exercise isn't everything: Easy ways to weave more movement into your daily life

We all know we “should” move. 

We’ve all heard that exercise or 10,000 steps a day or weight lifting twice a week or getting to a yoga class regularly is good for us. Studies say it. Doctors say it. That dude on social media practically yells it. 

We may have even felt the impact on our bodies when we’re living our lives at desks and on the couch and sitting in cars. 

Knowing all of that, the struggle to get to the gym, the fitness studio, or even just out the door for a walk is so ubiquitous it’s practically universal. 

Even when we do get to the gym, many of us are still sitting 8 hours a day at our desks, watching TV, and even doing “healthy” things like meditating, eating, reading, and lounging in the sun. 30 minutes of exercise 1x a day just doesn’t cut it. Not to mention trying to check a box isn’t particularly joyful.

Beyond that, there are seasons where you may not be able to afford fitness classes or your gym buddy flakes or you just need to shake up the routine because you may scream if you have to do one more goblet squat with a kettle bell while checking your form in those big dumb mirrors (me). 

The predominant message is that if people just got to the gym more they’d be healthier. True, albeit incomplete. I say, if people moved more, they’d be healthier.

When we switch our thinking from “exercise” to “movement” a whole world of possibility opens up. 

Folding laundry is movement. 

Dancing like no one is watching is movement.

Taking the stairs is movement.

Getting up again to go get something is movement.

I’m not saying “don’t workout” or “the gym is bad”. I’ve personally experienced the benefits from yoga, weight lifting, climbing, pilates, barre, running etc. I’m saying when we try to force ourselves into this box because we’ve been told it’s what we “should” do or that it’s “good for us”, we create unnecessary friction that often prevents us from actually moving (which is the whole point). 

This perspective shift really cemented for me after doing chores before bed one evening. I folded laundry, washed the dishes, and cleaned the shower. After I eased through these tasks, I got ready for bed and had the best night sleep of the whole week!

How wonderful to know that by standing up to wash the dishes I’m giving my body some movement and much needed time out of a chair. 

How lovely that scrubbing the shower can help strengthen my muscles.

Movement doesn’t have to be another item on the to-do list. It can be woven into our everyday lives.

Ways to weave movement into your daily life

Chores

Laundry, dishes, scrubbing the toilet, vacuuming, dusting. It’s all movement.

Park far away

You know how we all try to get the absolute closest to the store? I challenge you to start going for the spot that’s farthest away. 

Take the stairs

If there’s an option, choose a staircase over an elevator or escalator. Bonus points if you have to walk a little farther to get to the stairs.

Go to the store instead of ordering online

Having something delivered to your doorstep doesn’t require much movement. Even if you are ordering online, have it sent to the store so you have to move to pick it up.

Carry a basket at the store

Obviously if you’re doing a big haul you might have to use a cart or maybe go crazy and grab two baskets. You might look a little odd but hey we often have to be ok with being weird to be well.

Carry your groceries to the car

Just like the recommendation above, tuck that cart away and use those strong arm and core muscles to carry your bags across the parking lot, to your far away spot 😉 it’s practically a whole trip to the gym just from going to the grocery store.

Take an extra trip

I used to pride myself on how creative I would get to carry everything in one trip. Now I’m happy to take 2 or 3 trips. If I forgot something in the next room I’m not bummed, I’m like yes, more movement!

Cook more

As someone who hates cooking, this one has really helped motivate me to get my butt in the kitchen. Cooking can be a serious workout! Just think about how strong baker's arms are…

Lift heavy things around the house

Thinking about calling in your man friend to lift something for you? Why not try it yourself. Maybe it will be awkward and take a few tries but you’ll also be showing your body just how strong you are.

Do things standing up that you would normally do sitting

Have you ever watched TV standing up? What about folding laundry? My personal favorite is reading. After dinner, I take my book out on the front porch and slowly walk in circles while I read. Fresh air, movement, and I still get to nerd out.

Our bodies generally like our lives to be physical (to an extent of course). We were made to move. And we don’t need to overthink it. We can simply choose the farthest parking spot in the lot. 

Happy moving!