None Shall Pass!

Traditional thinking about exercise revolves around the idea that most of our activity should come from one trip to the gym per day. And most of us don't have time to go more than once a day, so this concept fits most schedules. But one of the most common obstacles to daily exercise is finding the hour or more it takes to go to a gym. If a schedule changes, the daily workout is often the first thing to go. I'd like to propose another option; short bursts of activity throughout the day.

Instead of one big workout each day, try doing a bunch of little workouts throughout the day. These shouldn't be sweat inducing, but they should get your heart rate up. I like to set up a "gate" in my apartment, so whenever I walk past the gate, I have to do, say, 20 pushups or 20 kettlebell snatches. This same idea can be used at the office, at school or anywhere else you usually don't work out. I like to use this approach on rest days or on days when I don't want to do a heavy work load.

This method of exercise is more fun if others play along. Get friends, family and coworkers involved.   Take turns setting the rules and post them somewhere visible, preferably near or at the gate. Hold each other accountable for adhering to the rules of the gate. You can even establish a penalty for getting caught skipping the gate. Use the same gate regularly to help establish the habit of participation. High traffic areas, like doors, hallways or kitchens make perfect gates. Eventually, this habit of constant activity will become second nature.

Set up a gate; get others on board; make it a habit and you will increase your daily activity, even if you don't get to the gym.