How to Get Fit and Stay Productive at the Same Time

Most people want to get fit, but not everyone can afford to spend time in a gym. And we get it - the gym isn't for everyone. It takes a certain level of discipline to wear workout clothes and journey to a gym. And if you find the gym inherently boring, then you'll be all the more likely to give up your membership within a couple of months.

Some people also lead busy lives or wish to feel like they're being productive as much as possible. To those people, the thought of taking two hours out of their day to go to a gym (once travel, showering, and everything else is factored in) seems insane. There are plenty of ways to get fit and be productive at the same time. And the best part? In many of the tips we'll share below, you'll be getting fit without even feeling like you're putting in much effort.

Get a Bike

You need to travel places, so why not do so in a way that gives your body a workout? It's not always possible to cycle to where you need to go, but if you live in an urban area, then it's probably more realistic than you might think. Plus, aside from helping to improve your fitness levels, traveling by bike can simply be more fun. It's much nicer to be on two wheels during those lovely spring and summer days, rather than stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic in your car.

Take Up Gardening

Looking for an activity that's good for your body, mental health, and your property? Then take up gardening. While gardening is a relaxing pastime, it also requires physical effort that provides a good workout for your body. You'll work up a sweat planting flowers, pushing your electric lawn mower around, and using your leaf blower. Plus, you'll put your body in positions it doesn't normally go in when you have your hands in the dirt, which can help improve flexibility. 

And you'll have something to show for all your efforts, too - a beautiful yard that you use time and time again during the spring and summer months.

Sit/Stand Desks 

One reason people need to invest in their fitness is that their lifestyle is more sedentary than it should be. Most of us work in jobs that require us to sit down in front of a computer all day long, but that's far from normal. It's a modern condition. Your ancestors never spent this much sitting down! Of course, quitting your job probably isn't a realistic option, so what do you do? Investing in a sit/stand desk will prevent the problems associated with sitting down too much. Another option, if you have the space and don't mind looking slightly ridiculous while you work, is to get a treadmill desk. 

Walking Meetings

Like the idea of walking while you work, but don't like the thought of using a treadmill desk? Holding walking meetings is a good way to build in a little bit of movement during your day. You probably can't hold a walking meeting if the entire company is involved, but if it's a meeting with just one or two other people? Then head outside for a stroll. Not only will this keep you fit, but it can also just be useful for generating creative thoughts.

Are you not hosting meetings but merely attending? Ask your manager if you can walk and talk-they might be just as open to the idea as you are!

Daily Yoga 

Yoga has long been considered a nice extra way to support your overall health. But in today's world, it should probably be considered as essential as traditional physical exercise. Not only will it improve strength and flexibility, but it'll also lower stress and improve your mental health.

The only problem is that, like the gym, attending a yoga class can be time-consuming. Most classes last for at least an hour, and it's unlikely that there'll be a studio right outside your home/office. One way to get the benefits of yoga while still remaining productive is to do it while you're listening to meetings, podcasts, or essentially anything work-related. You'll need to learn a basic yoga routine since you won't be able to follow along with a YouTube video if you're listening to a meeting, but don't worry - simple routines are extremely easy to memorize.  

Take the Stairs

Humans are drawn to comfort and minimizing effort, but sometimes, the things that allow us to remain still end up becoming our enemies on our quest to be as fit and healthy as possible. Take escalators and elevators, for instance. They're convenient, yes, but they're not good for you. Instead, take the stairs. You might end up walking up and down several flights of stairs multiple times a day, which can do wonders for your leg strength. 

And the Long Route 

Finally, you can also look at parking a little further away from where you need to than you usually do. You can park right outside your office or ten minutes away, giving yourself an easy opportunity to take more steps each day. Plus, those ten-minute walks at the end of the day can be useful for distinguishing between your professional and personal lives. All in all, this approach offers multiple benefits, and you don't lose anything apart from a few minutes of your time.