Commute via FIT STREET
INCIDENTAL FITNESS CAN BOOST YOUR WEEKLY WORKOUTS, SO MIX UP YOUR DAILY COMMUTE TO ADD IN SNATCHES OF EXERCISE
The daily commute to work can be a drag, but why not turn it into an opportunity to fit in a sneaky workout? Of course, the ideal would be to jog or cycle the whole way, but if that’s simply not practical, here are some ways to incorporate fitness into the journey.
• Pop your work shoes in your bag and slip on your trainers before you head out. That way you can hop off the bus a few stops earlier and hotfoot it to the office. If you drive to work, park a little further away than usual and power-walk the rest of the route.
After all, it’s far better that you do the fuel-burning rather than your car.
• Rather than sitting on the bus or train, stand with your feet hip width apart, raise onto the balls of your feet and hold for a few seconds. It’s a subtle move, so you won’t attract odd looks. And you’ll be leaving an empty seat for someone who needs it.
• Okay, this is one you might want to do with no one else around. If there’s a handy bench at the bus stop, do a few tricep dips while you wait. Or squat with your back against a wall, seeing how long you can hold. It’s harder than it sounds – the thigh burn is real.
• Need to pick up a few groceries on the way home? Excellent – not only do shopping bags add a weightbearing element to your walking workout, but you can even try the odd bicep curl with them.
• Look for stairs or steps on your way to work – if you can use them to continue on your route, then go for it. Otherwise, take a little detour and run up and down them a few times.