Healthy Habits Challenge Week 2 - Daily Movement Ideas

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Are you in need of inspiration for your week 2 task? I've put together a list of ideas for you to get moving a little more each day!

This week is all about getting more movement into your day. This doesn't necessarily mean you have to start regularly running half marathons or getting up at 5am to go to gym classes every morning; it's simply a challenge for yourself to take part in anything that gets you up and moving. Even something as simple as hanging out the laundry or spring cleaning your house can count! While regular exercise is fantastic, what's feasible for one person doesn't suit another, so focusing on being more active throughout the day in whatever way you can will really help both your health and your weight loss efforts.

Week 2 – Daily Movement

How to sit less

• Set an alarm to get up from your desk every hour and walk around for a few minutes
• Invest in a standing desk for work
• Stand while on the bus, train, tram
• Get off the bus a stop earlier to walk 10 mins instead of sit for 5 more
• Walk to the shop, school, train station or work rather than driving
• Cycle to work instead of driving
• Create extra cleaning jobs around the house
• Walk around while on the phone instead of sitting
• Have stand-up meetings instead of sit-down ones at work

Extra movement ideas

• Add an extra 1,000 steps to your day
• Spend some time gardening
• Always take the stairs when there is the option to!
• Walk around while brushing your teeth
• Use a toilet on a different floor instead of the one closest
• Park further away from the shop you're visiting
• Add in a cleaning job at home every day
• Make a lunchtime walk non-negotiable
• Meet a friend for a walking coffee catch-up
• Pop on your favourite tune and have a boogie whilst cooking

Exercise ideas

• Try a new home workout
• Try a resistance training activity
• Explore a new outdoor activity
• Try a fitness class in your local area
• Have a go at yoga or pilates
• Aim for one extra exercise session each week

Tips for those more sedentary

• Aim to do some chair-based exercises each day (read our latest article on this topic here, or you can find lots of helpful videos on YouTube.)
• Try to do 500 more steps than you usually do around the house or outdoors
• Use an arm bike at a local gym
• Aim to avoid sitting for more than an hour at a time – stand up and stretch a little