The Importance Of Exercise For Weight Loss and How to Make Your Day More Active

Morning stretch: begin your morning with a gentle stretch to wake up your muscles. Not only is this a great exercise for weight loss, but it awakens your mind and body to set you up for the day

Stay active at work: if you’re sitting at a desk all day, take short breaks to do some chair exercises, stretch or walk around the office/home.

• If you’re in an office, take the long way to the meeting rooms, kitchens, toilets or a colleague’s desk - you’ll be amazed how many extra steps you can sneak in.

• If you’re working at home, set a timer to remind you to get up every 40 minutes. Walk up and down the garden, grab some hand weights or simply climb the stairs a couple of times every hour

Lunchtime walk: break up your day and go for a walk after having your meal. It keeps you active and helps to regulate your blood glucose levels. Walking is one of the best ways to boost your calorie burn and you’ll be exercising without even realising it. Your mind will also thank you for the mental break and the reset for the afternoon.

Walk or cycle to work if possible. If you take public transport, try getting off a stop early and walking the rest of the way.

Household chores: cleaning the house, gardening, or washing the car can be great ways to stay active. Put on some music, involve the kids and make it fun! You’d be amazed how much ‘exercise’ there is in these household chores and you’ll be boosting your weight loss without even realising it.

Social and active: invite a friend to join you for a walk, run, or workout class. Exercising with a buddy can be motivating and more enjoyable. Plus, if it’s in the diary and you’ve committed to somebody else, you’re more likely to go

Use fitness apps and videos: there are plenty of free fitness apps and online workout videos that can guide you through different exercise for weight loss, like yoga, HIIT, body weight training. We love these because you do them in your home home whenever suits you best. No gym membership required!

Track your steps: aim for a specific number of steps each day that’s realistic for you. As you get used to it, increase the number. Seeing your progress can be incredibly motivating!

Walk the dog: explore new routes or visit local parks and extend your usual walk by an extra 10-15 minutes. Your dog will love it, and so will your body. As we mentioned above, walking is one of the best ways to exercise for weight loss.

Take the stairs instead of the elevator: it’s a simple change that adds up over time. If you’re not used to taking the stairs, start with one or two flights and gradually increase as you get fitter.

Do calf raises while brushing your teeth: since you brush your teeth at least twice a day, it’s a great way to incorporate a little extra activity into your routine without even thinking about it.

Find a sport you have fun doing: do you remember any sports or activities you enjoyed as a child? Did you love swimming, cycling, or playing soccer? Revisit those activities and see if they still spark joy.

Group classes: dive into the energy of group fitness classes like Zumba, spin, or aerobics. The social atmosphere can be incredibly motivating and a lot of fun. Before you know it, you’ll be burning those calories and filling your body with endorphins.