Don't Workout Everyday

I've got some advice that might surprise you: don't work out every day. I know this may sound controversial, but hear me out. Many people, especially when starting a new fitness routine, get overly excited and try to exercise 4-7 days a week. However, this approach often leads to burnout and can be counterproductive.

"The body needs rest, the body needs recovery," I always say. It's crucial to remember why we work out in the first place - to give our bodies the strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination needed to enjoy life fully. With this in mind, I want to share four alternative movement activities you can do between workouts to stay active and feel amazing.

1. Stretching for Flexibility

The first activity I recommend is stretching. It's an excellent way to maintain flexibility and range of motion without the intensity of a full workout. As I often tell my clients, "Pick some stretches that you can do around the house to loosen up your body." You can stretch anywhere - at the sink, on the couch, in a chair, in a doorway, or even in bed. The key is to "find some stretches that feel good to you, that feel like they're loosening up the areas of your body that you feel tight from your workouts."

2. Gardening for Mental and Physical Health

Next on my list is gardening. This activity offers numerous benefits beyond just physical movement. "There's some research that even suggests that [gardening] can reduce your chance of Dementia by 36%," I explain. Gardening allows us to move our bodies naturally while connecting with the earth, which can significantly improve our mood and overall well-being. Plus, if you're growing your own food, you're also nurturing your body with fresh, healthy produce.

3. Walking for Cardiovascular Health

Walking is another fantastic activity that I highly recommend. It's simple, accessible, and incredibly beneficial. "Walking has so many benefits," I emphasize. "You increase your bone density, you improve your cardiovascular health, just like gardening, it helps with your stress reduction, reducing anxiety and depression." The beauty of walking is that you don't need to go for miles to reap the benefits. Even a short stroll around the block can make a significant difference.

4. Dancing for Self-Confidence and Joy

My absolute favorite movement activity, which I believe you could do every day if your body feels good, is dancing. "This does everything that all the other activities do, plus more," I explain enthusiastically. "It helps improve your balance and coordination, and more than anything, it helps you improve your self-confidence."

Don't worry if you think you can't dance or if you're not "good" at it. The key is to "put on some music that you enjoy, try to get out of your head, and try to let your body just move." Dancing allows you to express yourself freely, take life less seriously, and enjoy yourself more.

These four activities - stretching, gardening, walking, and dancing - offer excellent alternatives to daily intense workouts. They allow you to stay active, maintain flexibility, improve cardiovascular health, reduce stress, and boost self-confidence, all while giving your body the rest it needs between more strenuous exercise sessions.

In conclusion

Remember, the goal of physical activity is to make your body feel good and to enhance your overall quality of life. As I always say, "The point is to find some [activities] that feel good to you." By incorporating these movement activities into your routine, you can maintain an active lifestyle without the risk of burnout or overexertion.

While regular exercise is crucial for health and fitness, it's equally important to listen to your body and give it the rest it needs. By balancing your workout routine with these alternative movement activities, you can stay active, feel amazing, and enjoy a more sustainable approach to fitness. So next time you feel like you should work out but your body needs a break, try one of these activities instead. Your body - and mind - will thank you for it.