A common misconception regarding exercise is that it requires intense personal trainers and a state of the art gym with lots of expensive intimidating equipment. Because our definition of exercise has become so distorted by society, people can easily make excuses why they cannot exercise. In fact, the definition of exercise is to simply just utilize your body through movement. This can be accomplished without any equipment at all and easily incorporated into your everyday life.

WALK

Walking is the most underrated, effective way to exercise. Depending on your fitness levels, walking at a brisk pace can exercise your cardiovascular system and challenge many major muscle groups. Walking is and action that the majority of people do everyday, but the amount and the intensity of it will make the difference.

Park farther from the office or store than you normally do and pick up the pace as you walk there. Go for a walk around the office instead of emailing or take a walk on your breaks instead of surfing the internet.

STAIRS

Aside from your body, stairs are the next best piece of exercise equipment around. Take the stairs whenever possible. Need more? Double step up the stairs every time. Concentrate as you skip that step, plant your foot and push yourself up using your hamstring. After a while, your efforts will pay off and you will find your body adapting to this movement. The advanced version is a double step run up the stairs.

BODY WEIGHT RESISTANCE

There is much more to body weight exercises than your standard push-up.

Waiting for something?

Find a wall, stand about a foot more than arms length away from it, lean forward (keeping your feet in place, although you may go onto your toes) until your hands are flat against the wall. Lean into the wall, bending at your elbows, and push back out.

Find a chair, sit on it, put your palms down on the front corners of the chair, and lift yourself up and slightly forward. Lower yourself down, past the seat of the chair and push back up.

Find open space, take a big step and slowly lunge down keeping your knees stable and the front knee not past your toes. Push back up to standing and repeat with the other leg.

Waiting for the water to boil?

Jumping jacks aren't just for kids. They are a whole body, cardiovascular exercise. Do jumping jacks until the water boils. For an added challenge, hold a can of food in each hand while you do it.

CONCLUSION

Exercise involves challenging your body through movement. Our bodies can get complacent with the leisurely, non-challenging activities. However, there are many ways to jump start your day and incorporate exercise into your daily life. Give these movements a try and discover the energy boosting exercises that are available all around you.

Learn more about this author, Michelle Homan.
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