By Jenny Sugar, POPSUGAR
You sit in a car to commute to your desk job, where you sit for eight or more hours, only to continue the ever-popular tush time by sitting on your commute home. Of course, once there, you end up back on a chair at the dinner table and then plop your butt on the couch to binge on your latest Netflix addiction — no wonder sitting too much can take years off your life! That's why it's imperative that you make it a priority to move — here are 20 tips to help inspire you to get off your butt every single day.
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Plan Ahead
On Sunday, map out your weekly workout plan so you know exactly what you're doing each day. This saves time trying to decide, "Hmm, should I go for a run or do a workout at home?" Mix up your workout routine to keep you excited and have alternate plans for outdoor workouts in case it rains.
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Make Workouts Nonnegotiable
Schedule workouts just as you would any other nonnegotiable important meeting. Tell coworkers and family members so they know you're unavailable during those times.
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Pay in Advance
Sign up and pay for classes ahead of time — it's much harder to skip out when you know you've already shelled out $20 or more.
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Prep Your Gym Bag
Prep everything you'll need the night before, including your outfit, water bottle, and pre-workout snack.
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Work Out in the Morning
Get your workout done first thing in the morning so your busy schedule doesn't get in the way of it.
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Make Time
If you're not a morning exerciser, wake up early to get 30 to 60 minutes of work done so you can steal away later during the day.
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Sleep in Your Gear
To save time and motivate for morning workouts, wear part of your gear to bed, including wicking socks or shorts, and maybe your sports bra if it's not too tight. If you're already wearing it, you'll be less likely to skip out.
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Start Your Day in Your Leggings
Even if you're not working out first thing, wake up and put on your entire workout outfit including sneakers. You're more likely to make it happen if you're already dressed and ready to go.
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Keep It Short
Be OK with a shorter workout — even 15 minutes is better than nothing! Maximize your time with these high-calorie-burning workouts.
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Listen to Your Body
Some days you might not feel ready for the HIIT session you mapped out last Sunday. Be OK with less intense workouts. Even a relaxing stretch session counts as moving.
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Try a Lunchtime Workout
Instead of taking a lunch break, hit the gym or take a class, then eat your lunch afterward while working (make sure it's already made so you don't have to waste time going to pick up lunch).
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Set a Motivational Reminder
Set an alarm on your phone with a meaningful message such as "Busier people are already at the gym," "You know you'll feel better afterward," or "Today's choices are tomorrow's body."
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Use the 5-Minute Rule
Follow the five-minute rule. Even on days when you're not feeling 100 percent, set your timer and go for five minutes — chances are that once you get moving, you'll be inspired to keep going.
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Find a Fitness Buddy
Find a consistent workout buddy. Committing to meet someone makes it much harder to skip out.
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Make It a Habit
Choose the same time to work out every day, and within a week or two it'll become a habit and something you look forward to instead of a chore.
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Set Attainable Goals
Use specific and attainable goals to motivate you. They can be small, such as doing 20 push-ups every day, or large, like running a half-marathon.
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Check It Off
Mark every workout in your calendar. Sometimes the satisfaction of seeing every day crossed off will motivate you to keep going for that week or that month.
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Reward Yourself
Reward yourself! Have a little something to look forward to after every workout, whether it's a hot shower with a new shampoo, a warm and cinnamony post-workout breakfast, or a new book to read on your rest day.
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Share on Social
Share your workouts on social media. You'll be so surprised by all the positive feedback and encouragement that it's sure to motivate you on days when you feel like chucking your sneakers out the window. It may even serve as a source for helpful workout tips.
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Don't Get Derailed by 1 Day Off
Don't beat yourself up if you miss one day or maybe even half the week. Tomorrow is a new day, a chance to make a fresh start. So get right back on that exercise-every-day wagon.
See more at: POPSUGAR
See more at: POPSUGAR
