Amid all your responsibilities, finding an hour a day to workout might seem laughable. However, you don’t have to force all your exercise into one part of the day to stay fit. By engaging in physical activity in small doses every day, you can create a healthier lifestyle. Whether you’re combating back pain or trying to burn more calories, use these tips to get moving.

How Can You Be More Active Every Day?

1. Take the Longer Route

Start by pushing yourself further when you can, even if it goes against the modern-day urge for efficiency. While the stairs might take a few more minutes than the elevator, they'll do wonders for your wellness over time. Similarly, try parking further away from the entrance at work or the grocery store, or getting off the train or bus one stop early and walking the rest of the way. These adjustments may require a bit more time management, but they'll help make exercise a long-term lifestyle choice, reducing the risk of burn-out.

2. Opt for Outdoor Play

When you have an hour between work and dinnertime to spend with the kids, you don't always have to stick with blocks or board games in the living room. Instead, take them outside for tag or catch. Alternatively, if you have a pet, spend 10 extra minutes taking them for a walk around the block instead of just a quick potty break. If not, offer to walk your neighbor's dog, or join them for a chat.

3. Build Activity Into Your Responsibilities

Many people spend time sitting down or standing still when they could be moving, such as when brushing your teeth. Since you already know the motions with your eyes closed, try facing away from the bathroom mirror and doing some light squats for those two minutes. If you need to go to the mall or the grocery store, slip on ankle weights under your pant legs to build muscle as you walk around. When you need to read an online document for work, put in wireless headphones and pace around while listening through the text-to-speech function.

Staying mobile is one of the best ways to alleviate your back pain, but it might not be enough to treat your condition at the source. For more help, reach out to iSpine Pain Physicians of the Twin Cities, MN, area. These specialists provide a wide range of pain management services from their locations in Maple Grove, Coon Rapids, Chaska, Shakopee, Sartell and Delano. Learn more about your potential treatment options by visiting their website, or call (763) 201-8191 to schedule an appointment for a back pain evaluation.