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Staying Active with a Busy Lifestyle

“I want to stay active, but I am too busy to go to the gym or workout every day.”

It can be difficult squeezing exercise into a busy life. Luckily there are things you can do in your everyday routine that can contribute to a healthy lifestyle as well. Physical activity doesn’t require going to the gym and it doesn’t have to be a chore. Instead, you can make your chores physical activity and still get everyday tasks done.

Here are some activities you can do at home, work, and even “on the go”:

man walking a dog

When At Home:

  • Run in place while talking on the phone or watching TV.
  • Walk your dog.
  • Make yard work a workout: cut your own lawn, rake leaves, and/or garden.
  • Move washer/dryer to the basement and use the stairs for exercise.
  • Do balance poses while cooking.
  • Dance with your children or grandchildren to their favorite show.
  • Do yoga or other at-home workouts.

Make Running Errands More Active:

  • Don't drive when you can walk. If you can’t walk the whole distance, drive part-way and walk the rest.
  • Park further from the store.
  • Use a basket instead of a cart when shopping to work out your arms.
  • Take the stairs and skip the elevator.
  • Return cart to a further cart-stall when leaving.

When At Work:

  • Walk during breaks and lunch.
  • Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
  • Walk to co-workers’ office instead of calling or emailing.
  • Conduct small meetings “on the go.”
  • Do yoga stretches at your desk.
  • Get a standing desk.
  • Walk or bike to work if possible. If you use public transportation to get to work, try getting off at a stop or two early and walking the rest of the way.
  • Park further from the office and walk the rest of the way.

Suffolk County Government

H. Lee Dennison Bldg

100 Veterans Memorial Hwy
P.O. Box 6100
Hauppauge, NY 11788

Riverhead County Center

County Road 51
Riverhead, NY 11901