Fitness is How You Live
It's not just the gym. It's everything else you do.
Fitness isn't just about hitting the gym, going for a long run, or cycling miles on the weekend. It's a mindset. It's about how you choose to move your body throughout the day, every day. It’s also about what you eat, how you prepared your food, how much time you take for eating. But let’s start with physical activity.
Think about it: walking to the store around the corner instead of driving. Taking your bike for the weekly grocery run. Ditching the car for short trips. Every second you spend moving benefits your body and your mind.
We recently got an electric car. While it's great for some things, I quickly saw how easy it is to let comfort take over. Suddenly, the 10-minute walk to the train station seems less appealing. Driving to the shopping center, which I used to reach by bike, becomes the default. My goal now is to use the car only when it's truly necessary, like for long distances that public transport makes complicated.
So, how can you build fitness into your daily life, even when you're just getting things done? Here are a few ideas:
Shopping: If your supermarket is close enough to walk or cycle, do it. Get a sturdy bike bag or a good reusable carrier bag. Walking back with groceries? That's a free "Farmer's Carry" exercise! People pay good money at the gym for that. Weird, right?
Short Trips: Choosing public transport often involves walking to and from stops. That 20-minute walk adds up. Every step is a step towards your fitness goal. You get fresh air, you see your surroundings mindfully, and you can read on the train. In a car, you're just sitting.
Commute: Stuck in traffic often? Have you checked if cycling is an option? Bike lanes and routes can help you avoid congestion. An hour's bike ride to work is a serious workout. If driving takes just as long, but you still need to find time to exercise later, what makes more sense?
Cook More: This might sound strange, but cooking your own food helps you naturally eat healthier. You know exactly what's going into your body. So many processed foods have hidden ingredients that don't help your health or fitness. Cooking simple, healthy meals doesn't take long and makes a big difference.
These are just a few ways to make movement a natural part of your day. It's about making conscious choices.
What are your favorite ways to build movement into your daily routine? Let me know in the comments below!
Take the stairs!!! 🪜 love this piece, thank you 🧗♀️