Fun Ways to Get Fit Without Working Out | 100% Daily Activity Every Day

Making sure you stay active every day isn’t as hard as you think. Sure, our modern life means we’re often seated on the couch, in a car, or in front of our computer – but it’s what we do around these times that counts.

It’s about making a conscious effort to hit your 100% Daily Activity every day with Polar Unite. Whether you always take the stairs or opt to walk to the shops instead of jumping in your car, there are so many little ways that we can keep our bodies moving.

Here are some fun ways to get fit – without working out. From taking your partner on an active date to pottering about in the garden, it’s about making every day enjoyable, so we feel better in both our bodies and minds.

Get down with a kitchen disco

Whatever type of tunes make you get your groove on, there’s no easier way to be active around the house than to have a dance session in your kitchen. Whether you’re whipping up pancakes on a Saturday morning or cooking a curry on a Thursday evening, turn your favorite music up loud and have a boogie. 

The best thing about a kitchen disco is you’re in the privacy of your own home, so you can be as energetic as you like. No one is going to judge you – aside from the odd shady look your cat will throw your way. Or your neighbors, if you pump the volume a little too loud.

Dancing is a great way to elevate your heart rate and get fit while having fun. That’s because it gives you a cardio workout, helping you boost your mood and metabolism, along with a range of other benefits. Are you looking for some musical inspiration? Check out Sophie Ellis Bexter’s weekly Kitchen Disco session for some seriously feel-good tunes.

Go on an active date

Nothing says romance like pointing a paintball gun at your partner, right? Ok, so it’s not everyone’s idea of a date night but think about how much fun it would be to run around playing laser tag or going bowling? Especially if you’ve both spent the whole day sitting at a desk.

Your body will reward your efforts with a bunch of feel-good hormones, which will help you relax and enjoy yourself. 

An active date really gets your heart racing – in every sense. Not only will you be well on your way to hitting your 100% daily activity goal for that day, but you’ll also get to have a laugh with your beloved. Plus, your body will reward your efforts with a bunch of feel-good hormones, which will help you relax and enjoy yourself. 

If minigolf doesn’t sound like your idea of a date, opt for something active but more romantic. Try a bike ride along a river together, stopping for a picnic along the way. Or spend an afternoon wandering around a museum together. After all, who said dates could only be dinner and movie?

Join in with the kids 

There’s so much joy in how active we were as children that we tend to lose as we age. Think about all the pastimes you used to love – jumping on the trampoline, skipping with friends, kicking a ball about, hula hooping, rollerskating. Imagine how fit you would be if you still did all those things?

Children know all the fun ways to get fit because they’re not doing it for their health. They’re doing it for pure enjoyment. So, if you have children in your life, why not join in with the fun and games? Whether you take them swimming or play a game of tag in the garden, you’ll quickly add to your daily activity.

You’ll also seem like a lot more fun if you join in with playtime – and who doesn’t want to be the fun dad/aunty/grandparent? Chances are you’ll not only get fit but will raise your popularity stakes in the family if you’re up for joining in.

Get your garden in shape

Spending time in nature is great for both our physical and mental health. Pottering around your garden requires a surprising amount of exertion, so if you have a bit of a green thumb, this is an enjoyable way to stay active. 

Be mindful of how you bend, squat, and push.

Whether you’re pushing a lawnmower or pulling up weeds, gardening will not only help you get fit but will give you a great sense of accomplishment as well as watching your garden grow. Anything that makes you work up a sweat, be it digging or moving plants, will ensure you’re well on your way to reaching 100% Daily Activity for that day.

One thing to remember when tending to your garden is not to exert yourself too much. Be mindful of how you bend, squat, and push so that you don’t end up hurting your back or shoulders. Treat gardening like any workout, do a gentle warm-up beforehand, and then be mindful of how you engage your core muscles and place your feet while you’re active around the garden.

Take the dog for an epic walk

So, you probably walk your dog around the block to do their business each day – but imagine how delighted they’d be if you went for a really long walk? A whole hour spent wandering around a park, romping through a field, or strolling along a river will undoubtedly make you their new best friend.

Not only is a daily walk vital to your pooch’s health, but it’s important for yours as well. You can always find the time if you plan for it: head out every lunchtime or as soon as you get home from work each day. Not only will it help you hit 100% Daily Activity, but you’ll probably find it will become your favorite part of the day too.

It’s easy to think that your dog will slow you down on a long walk, especially with all the fun things to sniff and other puppies to say hello to. However, most dogs will walk very fast once they get going because they’re so excited to be out and about. Don’t be surprised if they’ll end up taking you for the walk.

Cycle part of your commute

If your office is a long way from your home, then the idea of cycling to work might seem pretty laughable to you. But have you thought about jumping on your bike for part of your commute?

An active commute doesn’t need to mean getting sweaty before work.

Even a short cycle is a great way to get your heart rate and your Daily Activity score up. Plus, you’ll spend less time on public transport and more time feeling sunshine on your skin, which has to be a bonus for everybody. 

An active commute doesn’t need to mean getting sweaty before work. You can try a gentle ride to your local station – or the next one. Perhaps try cycling until you get to that mega hill near your work, lock your bike up and then walk the rest of the way. Whatever you do, make it a fun start and end to your day.

Opt for a walking meeting

If your job means you end up in back-to-back meetings most days, try to make time for an active chat. Grab some water, take a walk around the block, or head for the nearest park with your colleague. Not only will it get you away from the office and your various screens, but it will help you both get some fresh air – and probably some fresh ideas.

Recent research from Stanford University has found that walking can increase creative thinking. So, while we sometimes need spreadsheets in front of us for certain meetings, we should take the chance to up our daily activity whenever we have the opportunity. Who doesn’t want to come up with brighter ideas – and spend more time out of the office on a nice day?

Walking also gives you perspective and increases your productivity more than sitting in the same room for your third meeting of the day. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to bond a little more with your colleagues and build those working relationships that enhance our everyday lives. So, get out of the office and get active together.

Please note that the information provided in the Polar Blog articles cannot replace individual advice from health professionals. Please consult your physician before starting a new fitness program.