Week 3 of 52 small changes - getting more active

[OddSocksHighHeels]

Once again this is open to everybody even if you're joining late!

This week is about getting routine activity in each day. My favourite example from it being: don't use hired help where possible - build a shed yourself (I won't be doing any shed-building personally but feel free )

Ways to do it:

1. walk whenever you can - get off a stop or two earlier on the commute, taking a dog for a walk if you have one, walk to run errands instead of driving, park the car further away from the entrance of shops (so stay away from P&C spaces ) and take a short walk before breakfast/after dinner/whenever suits you.
   
   
2. on your lunch break at work - take a walk or use the time to do some errands. If you work at a desk then get up and stretch hourly.
   
   
3. while watching TV - fold the laundry, do some floor exercises, tidy the room up
   
   
4. take the stairs rather than a lift/escalator where possible
   
   
5. twice a week find a way to do a fun activity - ice skating, dancing, going for a walk on a beach, whatever you enjoy!
   
   
6. do things manually eg turn the TV on/off without the remote

[Allgunsblazing]

I'm struggling a bit to see where I could squeeze more activity, but I'll try.

[fuzzpig]

I will start today by trying to do some housework. I have the house to myself (DH has taken the DCs out for a muddy walk - too far for me unfortunately), and need to be productive as well as getting some rest. Unfortunately a lot of the things I really need to do are on the computer, but I'm determined to get some chores done as well.

I'll fill up my water bottle too.

Went to bed at a decent time last night and managed to resist the temptation to get back up and mess about on the laptop when I couldn't sleep, so I'm really pleased.

[stardusty5]

Joining!

[RattieOfCatan]

Marking my place after the week 2 failure! I'm not really sure how to implement this one :/ I'm quite active on my days at work so its my home days that need adjusting really. With the weather as it has been, if I can get a spot outside of my house I tend to grab it! Though I usually park at the end of the road (less competition for spaces!) I can't really walk to my local shop either as it's a hill the entire way, nightmare coming back up!

I'll have to be creative methinks.

[AnonymousBird]

Just signing in for week 3! Thanks OP.

[BoyFromTheBigBadCity]

Water going really well, I love my app. Had to get up at the same time every day while away, and did a lot of sport.this week should be a good one for me - I have about ten weeks to get into shape for some coaching I'm doing.

[quirkychick]

Water going really well, and finally had a good night's sleep. 8 1/4 hrs, I hope I'm breaking the pattern of rubbish sleep.

6,000 steps so far, I might not make 10,000 today, but I'll probably make up for it tomorrow. I do live in a city and walk everywhere, makes it easier.

Feeling pleased that I have lost 1/2" round my waist since upping water, restarting yoga and walking more last week. Feel a bit sore, though .

[Pointlessfan]

Well done quirky I've had a good day too. Slept for just over 8 hours, drank loads of water, been out for 2 walks, had a disco with DD (!) and did a bit of housework.
I reckon the extra activity will help with the better sleeping.

[fuzzpig]

I reckon so too Pointless :)

I didn't get out of the house but managed a bit more housework than usual which for me is a big thing.

[goinggrey1978]

do you have a link to week 1 please, as i am trying very hard to de-clutter my life and place along with trying to do more exercise and eat a lot less junk food, these are my goals for the year, plus 40 is fast approaching and i really need to get my act together!!

[BoyFromTheBigBadCity]

I have also remembered My tablets every day!

[LibrariesGaveUsP0wer]

Water going ok.

Sleep bit rubbish (I have a whole other thread in mental health )

Am trying on this one. Am very active as I have a toddler, but walk a lot more in summer. Find winter a challenge.

[MrFMercury]

Hmm so water is going really well, minimum of 5 pints a day. Sleep, like becoming more active is much more of a challenge because I'm disabled and not exactly in the best of health. However just this morning I decided to try and do the special movement DVD I was given by the hospital and I am back at work so I am going to try and move more :)

[MadameJosephine]

Hoping I can do a better job of this one. Water isn't going too badly but DD put paid to any plans for improving sleep as she still wakes at least once a night :( trying to practice good sleep hygiene and get to bed s bit earlier though.

Activity wise I am planning to return to my weekly belly dancing class tomorrow and to take DD and my nephew swimming at the weekend. Also going to try to increase number of steps by going for a walk in my lunch break and was planning to try to do the daily exercise routine I saw on 'trust me I'm a doctor'
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/1wBY4y9KMwy02YjVSMhTfBt/can-i-get-stronger-without-going-to-the-gym

[DrDiva]

I am thinking of buying a pedometer - going to be the easiest way of getting exercise. Does anyone have one they like?

Water a bit better today. Sleep still crap... (Stares hard at DS)

[Destinysdaughter]

I got into a good habit of doing my stretches on the floor whilst watching TV ( have a bad back), got out of the habit of doing it but got a physio appt tomorrow so this will be a good time to get back into it again!

[Allgunsblazing]

Must chase physio!
Does anybody know of a good pedometer app?

[Chocolatemousegirl]

Coming late to the party if I may? Fairly good at drinking lots of water and love sleeping! Being more active will be a challenge, but very necessary! Will challenge myself to go for a walk each lunch time - dreadful for just sitting at my desk and carrying on working.

[ICJump]

It's so great to read everyone's achievement. Really gives me the push along.

[quirkychick]

I have had 2 unbroken nights - yay! Over 8 hrs yesterday and just over 7 hrs today.

Allgunsblazing I had a Fitbit flex for Christmas which sends me emails when I have done 5,000, 10,000 or 15,000 steps. It also tracks sleep and water. I think it was on offer on amazon.

I am helping in school this morning and hoping to do my Yoga Camp this afternoon. I will probably tot up a fair few steps with the school run too. I need to try to start up doing weights at home, but have a busy, difficult week ahead.

[Gazelda]

Ooh, this one sounds trickier for me as I like specific targets. However it is a challenge I really need to take on - I am far too comfortable when I'm not being active.

OK, my target this week is to take bits upstairs rather than leaving them on the bottom step to take up 'next time I'm going'. This should add at least 2 more journeys up and down the stairs each day.

Does that sound a bit lame? Should I add something else in do you think?

Meanwhile, water is going ok-ish. I find it easier during the week when there is more structure to my day. Sleeping is going well, and my DH is joining me in a regular bedtime too so we are both getting the benefit.

[CishAndFips]

Ok this is another one I need to do. I don't drive currently on mat leave with 10 week old. So no excuse for not getting out with DD in the pram. So today I will take the longer route when u pick DS up from school.

[OddSocksHighHeels]

gazelda I like specific targets top. I'm doing: a walk every lunchtime of around an hour, using the stairs instead of the lift in my flat (going up and down them to have cigarettes might not be great in the long run but y'know), I already walk most places anyway as I don't drive, walking up the escalators when I use the tube and doing some floor exercises each day. I'm trying to see if there's a good activity I can do locally as well that might get me more active.

My water intake is still doing well, sleep is iffy but I've been getting up earlier than normal which seems to be helping quite a bit. I did just drink a coffee about an hour ago but never mind.

[Pointlessfan]

Haven't done so well with water today but have been active. Just asked DH to nip to the post box with a birthday card but went myself to be more active. Have realised how often I ask him to do things like that, am really lazy!
Am also trying to take things out to the recycling instead of waiting for a big pile to build up. More active and more tidy - win-win!