Finding time to do a full workout on a daily basis can be tough, especially for those of us who work full time and/or have kids. It is so important to remain physically active as much as we can. A lack of physical activity has shown to be a risk factor of many serious health issues such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and even certain cancers. Similar to how exercise improves mood and overall well-being, being inactive can counteract our positive emotions and add feelings of anxiety and depression. Our bodies were designed to move, fortunately any form of movement can be considered physical activity and is beneficial even in the smallest amounts.

Moving more throughout the day can help:

• Control your weight 
• Improve your mood and mental health 
• Improve your sleep 
• Increase energy 
• Reduce stress 
• Improve brain function

There are a few ways we can incorporate more movement into our everyday lives that will increase our daily movements outside of the gym or fitness class. Here are a few our favourite hacks to get you on your feet more:

Look for ways to add more movement and steps to things you’re already doing, for example:

• Park in the parking space that is furthest away from the entrance to add more steps into your day. 
• Instead of using the elevator, opt to use the stairs and get those legs working. 
• If you’re at work, use the toilet/printer/copier that is furthest away from your desk
• Increase your water intake. Not only does it maintain your hydration, it creates mini-breaks every now and then to the bathroom. 

A few extra steps here and there can go a long way. 

There are various standing desks that you could purchase; adjustable-height standing desks, treadmill desk, bike desk. These are great options for adding more movement to your day, given that you are working from home or from an office that is stand-desk friendly. Here are some tips to incorporate even more movement when using a standing desk:

• Switch from standing to sitting throughout the day, with the goal of standing for half of your workday
• Keep changing your positions, staying in position for too long can cause some of your muscles to ache. Switch positions regularly to ensure that you are generating a good amount of blood flow throughout your body

There are certain activities that are best done sitting and others that are better done standing or walking. Taking phone calls are a great time to stand and walk around, whether that be in your office or around the house. It increases your daily steps and gets your body moving more often. Getting up and walking around for 1-2 minutes every hour offset the risks associated with sitting for prolonged periods of time. Taking a phone call standing or walking is a perfect way to do so and remain productive throughout your day. 

Once we’ve sat down to watch one of our favourite TV shows or Netflix series, it’s hard to tear away from the screen. Instead of hitting the couch or your bed, try stretching or light exercise whilst you watch. There are many simple body weight exercises and stretches that you can do comfortably without breaking a sweat in front of the TV that will still keep your body moving. 

Walking can so easily be incorporated into our daily routines, whether that be to the supermarket, with your friends or family, or even just around your block. Walking for 15-20 minutes breaks up your day and refreshes the mind. It’s one of the easiest ways to stay active daily and if done after a meal can speed up digestion and lower heartburn. 

Too often people see working out as something they dread but feel obligated to do to maintain fit and healthy. It’s a lot easier to workout when you are looking forward to what you’re doing. Find a workout that suits your preferences so you know you’ll enjoy it. Not only will you look forward to it, you’ll be more enthusiastic and dedicated to the workout and find that you put more effort into the exercises that you love compared to those you don’t. 

Now that we’ve shared our tips on how to increase daily movement, you need activewear to match. We’ve put together a few of our favourite pieces that are suitable for any setting and workout no matter what the occasion is. 

LUNA SEAMLESS SCRUNCH BUM LEGGINGS

Carefully knitted with seamless technology, the Luna Scrunch Bum Leggings are the perfect pair of leggings for any workout, light or intense. Featuring a subtle scrunch bum seam at the back, your booty will have the illusion of a full pump no matter where you are. 

INVICTUS SEAMLESS CROP

Constructed with seamless, four-way stretch material and ribbed waistband, this crop will provide you with ultra comfort during any workout. Stretchy and breathable, the Invictus seamless crop is like a second skin and supports you through any activity you do.