Easiest Ways to Exercise More

Written By Judy Doherty, MPS, PCII

Incorporating exercise into your routine doesn't have to be complicated. There are simple and effective ways to get moving without the need for special equipment or a gym membership. Here are some of the easiest ways to exercise:

1. Walking:

  • Walking is a low-impact exercise that is easy to incorporate into your daily routine. Aim for at least 30 minutes of brisk walking most days of the week.

  • Walking around your neighborhood is a great way to get some fresh air!

2. Climbing Stairs:

  • If you have access to stairs, use them for a quick and effective workout. Climbing stairs helps strengthen your legs and provides a cardiovascular workout.

3. Bodyweight Exercises:

  • Perform simple bodyweight exercises at home, such as squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks. These exercises target multiple muscle groups and require no equipment.

  • There are many weight classes in local gyms and community centers.

4. Jumping Jacks:

  • Jumping jacks are a great way to get your heart rate up. They also engage various muscle groups, including your legs, arms, and core.

5. Dancing:

  • Put on your favorite music and dance around your living room. Dancing is a fun way to burn calories and improve your mood.

6. Yoga:

  • Yoga is a versatile exercise that can be adapted to different fitness levels. Many online platforms offer beginner-friendly yoga sessions.

7. Hiking:

  • If you enjoy the outdoors, consider hiking. It not only provides a good workout but also allows you to connect with nature.

8. Biking:

  • Biking is a low-impact exercise that can be done outdoors or on a stationary bike. It's an excellent way to improve cardiovascular health.

9. Swimming:

  • Swimming is a full-body workout that is gentle on the joints. If you have access to a pool, consider swimming laps.

10. Gardening:

  • Gardening involves various physical activities, such as digging, planting, and weeding. It can be a rewarding way to stay active.

11. Play a Sport:

  • Have a favorite sport? Chances are, there is a local team for it! Tennis, swimming, pickleball, tag football, volleyball and basketball are just a few. Playing sports is great for socialization and it makes exercise a lot more fun.

Judy Doherty, MPS, PCII

Judy’s passion for cooking began with helping her grandmother make raisin oatmeal for breakfast. From there, she earned her first food service job at 15, was accepted to the world-famous Culinary Institute of America at 18 (where she graduated second in her class), and went on to the Fachschule Richemont in Switzerland, where she focused on pastry arts and baking. After a decade in food service for Hyatt Hotels, Judy launched Food and Health Communications to focus on flavor and health. She graduated with Summa Cum Laude distinction from Johnson and Wales University with a BS in Culinary Arts, holds a master’s degree in Food Business from the Culinary Institute of America, two art certificates from UC Berkeley Extension, and runs a food photography & motion studio where her love is creating fun recipes and content.

Judy received The Culinary Institute of America’s Pro Chef II certification, the American Culinary Federation Bronze Medal, Gold Medal, and ACF Chef of the Year. Her enthusiasm for eating nutritiously and deliciously leads her to constantly innovate and use the latest nutritional science and Dietary Guidelines to guide her creativity, from putting new twists on fajitas to adapting Italian brownies to include ingredients like toasted nuts and cooked honey. Judy’s publishing company, Food and Health Communications, is dedicated to her vision that everyone can make food that tastes as good as it is for you.

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