So, how are you? “Busy”, “so busy”, or “crazy busy”? … Yeah, we all know this boast disguised as an excuse!

We all know that we should get more exercise, but when it’s time to lace up your shoes and go … You. Just. Don’t. Wanna. (And its cold!)

Luckily, there is a bunch of different ways to stay healthy without actually realizing that you’re exercising. Exercise doesn’t necessarily mean running on a treadmill for four hours. Exercise is anything that elevates your heart rate and takes your body outside its normal comfort zone. So, how do we move out of “park” and into fast forward to experience a litany of health benefits?

The arrival of the “electronic age” has fundamentally changed how much time we spend sitting at home, work or school. This change has been directly linked to a Pandora’s Box of health problems, ranging from obesity to coronary heart disease.

There’s probably no way to prove this, but I’m sure it’s true: Nobody on their deathbed ever wished they’d spent more time watching TV! So, remember mom and dad; we are the role models that despite our busy lives have to make time to exercise every day.

Here are a few creative ways for couch potatoes to get moving:

• Especially with family or friends. Climb on stumps and balance on fallen trees. When was the last time you did that? Enjoy the incredible scenery and talk about life.
• No time for hiking? Do you have a 30 minute meeting at work? Have a walking meeting instead. Steve Jobs was known for doing this.
• Martial Arts. Whether it’s Kung Fu, Karate or Tae Kwon Do; there’s a martial art out there that will make you feel like a badass.
• Rock climbing. It’s one of the best arm/back/forearm workouts in existence.
• You know … That thing couples do? Do more of that!
• Build flexibility, strength, and learn how to relax.
• Play a musical instrument. Did you know that playing the violin for an hour burns about as many calories as walking around a track at a moderate pace for an hour? Turns out, our brains can burn calories too!
• Take a dance class. Whether it’s the Tango, Zumba or the Flamenco; you’ll be sweaty in 10 minutes!
• Crank up the music and boogie down, kids love this one.
• Give toys that encourage physical activity like balls, kites or jump ropes.
• Make a new house rule: No sitting during TV commercials.
• Walk or run for charity. Model the value of exercise – and of giving back to society – by teaming up with your kids for a fund-raising race.
• “Deskercise” at work. Get you booty as toned as the printer by doing squats against the wall, or lift your rear end off your seat for a few seconds; hold and repeat. Get a headset, so every time your phone rings, you can pace while you’re talking. Clever!
• Go for pre- or post-dinner walks.
• Eat healthy. You can’t outrun your fork! Unless you’re Cad Le Clos swimming for 8 hours a day, there is no amount of exercise that can cancel out a diet full of processed foods, junk food and liquid calories.

In her book The Willpower Instinct, Dr Kelly McGonical calls physical exercise “the closest thing to a wonder drug that scientists have discovered.” Why?  Multiple research studies have shown that when people begin exercising more consistently, other areas of their life improve as well.  Exercisers tend to lead healthier lifestyles. Simple as that.

We at Fedhealth are so excited to offer our new rewards program exclusively to members of the Fedhealth family. Yes, Reality Health members can now enjoy a healthy lifestyle thanks to discounted gym fees at approved Virgin Active, JustGym, and Planet Fitness centres. So, come on, let’s move towards better health!

Source: www.gov.za, nytimes.com, www.medibank.com.au, heartfoundation.org.au, www.michaeldpollock.com, www.abundantmama.com, www.nhlbi.nih.gov, ministyhealth.org, www.nerdfitness.com, www.letsmove.gov, time.com, www.lifehack.org, www.parents.com