Getting Active Outside of the Gym

Going to the gym is a great way to be active. The intentional movement of your body 1-2 times a week, for 1-hour at a time, is a wonderful step towards a healthy lifestyle and we at DEL.FIT, highly encourage it! However, it’s not quite enough.

Let me explain what I mean when I say “it’s not quite enough”. The body is made to move.  The more you move your body the better it will feel! All of the body systems function more efficiently with movement. Movement increases the flow of blood and oxygen, it get’s the lymphatic system pumping, the nervous system stimulated, and the bowels moving. So moving intentionally for 2 hours per week is great, but it doesn’t quite create an optimal environment within the body. 

At DEL.FIT we often use the phrase “movement is medicine”. It is common practice to encourage our clients to attend their sessions, complete their exercise homework, but also suggest more activity outside of the gym. 

Here are some ways we suggest getting active outside of the gym:

Do some yard work. There are always things to do outside during the year that provide great opportunities to be active: cutting the grass, weeding the garden, raking leaves and shoveling snow, to name a few. 

Go for a walk. If you have a dog, take the dog with you! Or better yet, go for a hike! Within our region there are a large number of trails for all ability levels. If you need some suggestions check out our ‘Keeping Active this Fall’ blog.

Dust off the old bike. Okay, so maybe walking isn’t your thing. Why not dust off the old bike and take it for a spin around the block! Biking is a great way to cover a lot of ground in a short period of time. Who knows, you might just be within biking distance of your local ice cream parlour.

Join a league or club. Checkout your local municipal website, or chat with some friends to learn what leagues and clubs are out there. Maybe you’ll find out you have a love for tennis, ball hockey, golf or dragon boating! 

Play with a kid. This is one we often underestimate. Genuinely playing with a kid can be exhausting! Whether it’s your own child, your neighbour, your niece/nephew, or your grandchild, try blocking off an hour and follow their lead while playing. I guarantee you’ll feel like you had a good workout after!

Get out on the water. Go for a swim, a canoe ride, a kayak, or a paddle board. These ones are not only good for the body, but also good for the mind!

Take your pick and try adding some more movement outside of your gym workouts! Remember, movement is medicine!