Need some simple fitness hacks to help you get moving, improve your workouts, and deal with exercise-related issues? Check out this list of ideas that will make it easier to get in shape and stay in shape:
There’s an app for that
You might work out for an hour after work, but you’re counteracting all that hard work if you keep your butt planted in a computer chair all day. Sitting for hours at a time can even increase your chance for heart disease, certain cancers, and other medical conditions. To remind yourself to stand up and move around at least once every hour, try using an app like the StandApp. It even includes exercises that you can do during your important standing break.
Volunteer
If you feel like a hamster while working out on a treadmill, give your calorie-burning some purpose by volunteering for charities that require a little sweat. You could build houses for Habitat for Humanity, work for a charity that cleans up parks or waterways, or walk dogs for a local animal shelter or a charity that walks dogs for low-income pet owners.
Prevent chaffing
According to SHAPE magazine, you don’t have to invest in expensive chaffing cream if your thighs rub together while you run – just rub a stick of deodorant between your legs.
Make your workout entertaining
Buzzfeed recommends listening to an audio book while you work out. If you only allow yourself to listen to it during your cardio workout, you might actually start look forward to exercising. You might even start working out longer than usual so that you can find out what happens next. This is one of the best fitness hacks for those who need a little motivation to get moving.
Drink coffee
To improve your endurance, wake up with a small cup of coffee before you work out. Because it doesn’t contain any empty calories to negate your hard work, black is best.
Pay yourself
Here’s a simple idea: place a dollar in a jar every time you manage to work out for a certain amount of time (30 minutes is a good goal). At the end of the month, you can buy yourself something special (note: this dollar trick might feel a bit weird if you’re doing a striptease workout). If you need a little negative reinforcement instead, try the Gym-Pact app – it drains money from your bank account if you don’t check in and go to gym.
Sit on a stability ball
To engage your core at home or at work, try trading your chair out for a stability ball. You can also use it do exercises that will strengthen your abs and back.