Alright, my little fruit loops! Get ready to groove and move like there’s no tomorrow! We’re about to unleash the wild dancer within and break free from the shackles of sedentary living! So strap on your sneakers, because I’m about to enlighten you with some fantastically funny and informative ways you can move your body more throughout the day!
Are you ready to be mind-blown? Prepare for an explosion of exclamation points!!! Boom! 💥
It’s NATIONAL WALKING MONTH! Woohoo! Now, I get it, walking in scorching Florida heat can feel like you’re strolling through a fiery inferno, but fear not! I’m here to share my top-secret tips on how to move your body like a boss, even when the sun is out to crisp you like a potato chip.
The whole point of this blog is to share what I have been doing to be a better version of myself. I share 100% of what I am doing to inspire others and at the moment I am always committed to what I am writing. However, I am human. I have some ups and some downs. Sometimes these PCOS symptoms that just take over and make it to where I don’t want to do anything.
The UPS and downs of life
But hey, listen up! It’s okay to have ups and downs. We all have those moments when we just want to Netflix and chill (literally, not metaphorically). The only thing I might get done that week is writing a blog post. That is 100% okay. I don’t beat myself up about it. I may think about it multiple times throughout the day and just think “damn man”. But what can I do?
It’s part of being human, my friend. I have to remind myself time and time again and I will say it to you… Don’t beat yourself up over it. Just hope for a better tomorrow, when your mind, body, and soul are back in the game!
Now, here’s the juicy part! While I’ve been on my personal growth journey, I’ve been manifesting awesomeness left and right. Toxic people? Gone! Past trauma? Slowly working through it like a boss!
But you know what? The one area where I’ve been slacking is the physical stuff. Yeah, exercise… getting healtheir…. that thing I wrote about back in the ancient times of May 2020! Can you believe it? Three whole years! It’s been a struggle, but I keep pushing forward every single day.
Welcome to the wild world of Gym Life! 💪
Mike and I were gym enthusiasts. . From January 2020 to March 2020 I lost 15 pounds and that was amazing. That is probably the most weight I have lost since finding out I have PCOS. I know my weight has fluctuated between then and now, but since January 2023 and now I have lost 26 lbs and have kept it off.
Until our car decided to play dead in August 2020. That meant no more gym trips for us. At-home workouts? Meh, they didn’t tickle my fancy. I need the gym vibes, where all you can do is work out and not be distracted by the never-ending to-do list at home.
But hey, I made a promise to myself. Even without the gym, I was determined to move my body more. Step one: 10,000 steps a day! Easier said than done when you’re a self-proclaimed house hermit like me. So, how did I tackle this challenge? Let me enlighten you, my friend!
Trying to keep track
Keeping track of my movements used to be a hilarious struggle. I mean, I tried using my phone as a step counter, but let’s be real, I don’t carry that thing everywhere I go. So, in the spirit of Christmas, Mike gifted me a fitness tracker from Amazon in 2021. It’s not exactly my soulmate, but hey, it gets the job done.
Then, imagine this: a month later, while gallivanting in South Carolina with my sister, she and my mischievous nephews dragged Mike and me to T-Mobile. Guess what? We ended up getting those flashy “buy one get one” Samsung watches. I’m not the best with big purchases, but Mike was really hyped about it. This watch puts my basic step counter to shame. It’s practically a Swiss Army knife of fitness gadgets. It tracks my period (who knew?), records my ECG (fancy stuff), plays music (I’m the DJ of my own workout), monitors my sleep (apparently, I’m not as peaceful as I thought), and even has its own phone line (I mean, does it also make coffee?).
With all these tech-savvy wonders on my wrist, it was time to put them to use and start moving my body. Now, let’s be honest, my body was definitely not built for Olympic-level stunts. I had to ease into this whole active lifestyle thing. It was like going from a sloth to a cheetah in slow motion. Okay, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration, but you get the idea.
Now, I don’t mean to make this all about me (well, maybe just a little), but let me share the sneaky ways I’ve been moving my body more and getting my steps in without even realizing it. So let’s goooooooooooooooooooooo!
Step 1: Marching Mayhem! 🏃♀️
I turned my house into a marching band extravaganza! While doing dishes, folding laundry, or even Netflix browsing, if I found myself standing still for too long, I’d start marching like I’m leading a one-person parade. Sometimes I would do it while waiting in line at the grocery store. I have to tone it down in public, though. I don’t want people to think I’m auditioning for a marching band or doing an emergency pee-pee dance! Haha!
Step 2: Perimeter Power! 🚶♀️
Flash dancing in the kitchen? Check! Room-to-room laps? Double-check! I have spent many many nights flash dancing in my kitchen or walking room by room of my house to get ALL my steps in before I go to bed.
Sometimes I strategically placed things in different rooms just to give myself an excuse to walk back and forth like a graceful gazelle. Yes, I may create a bit more work for myself, but hey, it’s a small price to pay for boosting my step count while at home.
Working from home you have to come up with some creative ways to move your body. I am not doing the normal things like walking to the bus stop to go to work. I am not walking around an office building all day. I am not running around like a mad woman working retail. I need to do what I can to move and stop making excuses.
Step 3: Get fit with Rick! 💃
Here’s the scoop, my friend. TikTok led me to this magical YouTube channel called “Get Fit with Rick.” It’s like stepping into a time machine of fitness. Rick Bhullar’s at-home step videos are ridiculously fun! My personal favorite? The 90s episode! It’s a nostalgic blast from the past, and I often find myself dancing instead of stepping. But hey, that’s still a win in my book!
A few other at-home workouts that I love are:
GrowwithJo – 2 MILE FAST WALK At Home
Sharona’s Hill – FUN DISNEY CHANNEL INDOOR WALKING WORKOUT || Beginners
The Studio by Jamie Kinkeade – 2-MILE WALK DANCE 💃 CARDIO PARTY WORKOUT | 20 MINUTES OF PURE FUN
Step 4: Walk the Talk! 🚶♂️
I’m lucky to have a little lake in my neighborhood. So, I put on my walking shoes and tell myself, “Just one lap, and then you can go home.” But guess what? Once I’m out there, I end up doing four laps, psyching myself up with headphones and epic playlists, podcasts or engrossing true crime stories. Check out my SPOTIFY because distraction is the key, my friend! Otherwise, I’ll be halfway through and turn into a master of U-turns!
Step 5: Nature’s Wonderland! 🌳
Believe it or not, I’ve discovered my newfound love for walking trails! Mike and I are on a mission to explore all the mind-blowing trails we can find. We’ve encountered caves, alligators (not in the caves, of course), wild boar, rivers, and even sinkholes! The feeling of being outside, walking, chatting, and taking in the beauty of nature is downright blissful. Who would’ve thought?
A random trail we found on the side of the road one day was the first trail where we walked 9 miles in 3 hours. That is insane to me. My legs were numb, my feet were nonexistent. I don’t know how I got back to the car, but damn was I proud of myself! There is just something about being outside just walking, chatting, and looking at nature. So relaxing. If you are in the Brooksville Area check out Croom’s Trail.
Step 6: Cleaning Frenzy! 🧹
When I go on a cleaning rampage, my steps go through the roof! It’s a full-body workout extravaganza! Climbing on beds, crawling under furniture, carrying laundry, handwashing dishes—oh, and don’t even get me started on making a king-size bed solo! It’s like a never-ending workout routine. Plus, the satisfaction of a sparkling clean house is an incredible bonus!
One thing I did learn was that putting your smartwatch on your ankle to help track your steps especially when doing the dishes does not work. I wore it for hours on my ankle and all I had to show for it was a watch imprint.
Step 7: Thrift Shop Shuffle! 🛍️💃
Looking for a sneaky way to get your steps in while scoring some unique treasures? Head to your local thrift shops and flea markets! These treasure troves are not only filled with vintage goodies but also provide a fantastic opportunity to move your body. With aisles upon aisles of clothing, furniture, and knick-knacks to explore, you’ll find yourself doing a thrift shop shuffle as you navigate through the aisles. Get ready to step, twist, and sway your way to discovering hidden gems while staying active.
The bonus of this is that when you head to the dressing room to try on your awesome digs it’s like an intense workout getting undressed and dressed a million times. LOL
If you like this way to get more steps in you might like my backup plan to the Thrift Shop Shuffle….
Step 8: Bargain Hunt Hustle! 💰💪
Want to add some oomph to your flea market experience? Challenge yourself to a bargain hunt hustle! Set a timer and see how many stalls you can visit within a certain timeframe. The faster you move, the more steps you’ll rack up, and the more treasures you’ll uncover. It’s like a high-stakes game of “finders, keepers” that keeps you on your toes and burns calories while you shop. Just don’t forget to haggle for a good deal and negotiate those steps like a boss!
Bonus carrying all your awesome finds is like walking around with dumbbells LOL!!
Step 9: Dance Party Extravaganza! 💃🎉
I have never been one to dance. I am what you consider a chair dancer or shimmy-in-my-seat kinda gal… But Lately I have been embracing the art of moving my body. So with that, I say…
Who says you need a special occasion to have a dance party? Crank up the music and let your body unleash its inner dance machine! Whether you’re alone or with friends or family, dancing is an excellent way to get moving and have a blast while doing it. Plus, it’s a mood booster like no other! So put on your favorite tunes and dance like nobody’s watching (even if they are, who cares?).
Step 10: Glide Your Way Fit! 🛼
Who says you have to only move your body using your feet??? I suggest a lot of ways but one way I connect with my childhood again and move my body more is by heading to my local park where they have a street hockey rink. Me, Mike, and the Kiddo will strap on our rollerblades and just skate around. I have been wanting to get a pair of funky rollerskates. It has been forever since I put quads on.
It’s like walking, but with a touch of disco fever! Strap on those wheels and groove your way to fitness. Whether you’re gliding through the park or strutting your stuff at the roller rink, you’ll be shaking your booty while racking up steps. Plus, think of all the fun you’ll have dodging obstacles and pretending you’re in a 70s roller disco movie. It’s exercise disguised as a dance party, and trust me, your body will thank you for this groovy workout. So lace up those skates, hit the pavement, and let’s roll our way to fitness in style!
Step 11: Get fit with Goofy Sports💦
Oh here is a throwback memory…. I almost forgot we did this… One day, Me, Mike, Mikayla, and my Nephew Nathan decided to put our creativity to the test and came up with the most hilarious game using water bottles. We didn’t realize that Crystal River Archaeological State Park was gonna have these huge open areas and we didn’t bring a football so what was the next best thing to use… our water bottles. We spent way too much time tossing these around.
The park is absolutely gorgeous but we only saw half of it because we got distracted. So find something random to toss around that won’t hurt too much if ya don’t catch it. Mikayla!!! Hahahaha Who knew water bottles could be the catalyst for endless fun and goofy games?
Ready to move your body?
So, are you ready to rock and roll? No matter why you’re home, there’s no excuse not to get those steps in! Take a look around your house, find opportunities to add more movement, and gradually increase your daily step count. Start small, aim for progress, and celebrate every victory along the way!
I hope my shenanigans inspired you to move that body and conquer your goals! As I said earlier, I am down 26 pounds. I am so close to reaching my first goal I am determined more than ever to hit it. Oh, and by the way, I’m waiting for you on TikTok. Join me at Ourredonkulouslife for some live step workouts and more hilarity!
Now spill the beans! How do you get your steps in during the day? Share your unique and fabulous ways in the comments below! Let’s keep the laughter and inspiration flowing! 🕺💃
Until next time, Have a great day!
Originally posted March 26, 2021
Great tips! I work from home and feel like I go hours without moving!
I feel ya. Me too. I spend so much time sitting at this dang computer.
I really need to move more. I used to exercise during the lockdown but I’ve found that I suddenly lacked good physical activity now that I’m back in the office.
I know I need to move my body more period. When you spend so many hours sitting at the computer working it takes a toll on you.
Right now I’m about to do some pilates and yoga, but I miss going out. Hiking, walking. My muscles are suffering a lot!
How do you like pilates and yoga? I have been curious but never tried it.
We have so many stories to deal with everyday. I hope we can move forward now.
I am unsure what you are talking about?
One of the many, many, many downsides of Covid and working remotely from home is that I’m moving even less than before. Yet, I bought a bike so I’m at least cycling…baby steps, baby steps 😉
I couldn’t even buy a bike here for the longest time. They were all sold out. I did buy rollerblades though. It has been years since I have used them… So I am a bit rusty.
A very important and useful post Michelle.
Working from home, I have been keeping my body moving by going running and walking (including taking our dog for walkies), as it is important to get outdoors and into the fresh air.
Thanks for sharing!
I was taking walks around the lake near my house to see the geese, but a neighbor called animal control and took them away to a sanctuary. They have lived here longer than those neighbors. I was so sad.
this are all correct,,,but for me first thing first waking up and thanking the creator for the new day would be great..when you wake up don’t get up suddenly freshen the mind and stretch a bit…then drink at least 2 glass of water not cold and start to walk around the house or yard..then nice coffee and breakfast chat with family shower then start my day looking forward heads up
I definitely need to stretch first thing in the morning. If I don’t I am stiff the whole day.
If I can go for my usual 20 minutes walk around my area I just walk up and down the stairs and in my garden to keep my body moving.
I love that. You have to have a home routine equivalent to your daily routine in case something happens.
Thanks for the tips and practical guide for moving your body. in fact, taking a walk like choosing the stairs over lift is something very simple, yet lots of people ignored. I think this is a good way to move your body, too. – Knycv Journeying
The incline of the stairs kills me. I still do it… sometimes. LOL
I could relate to this. We’ve been staying at home for so freaking long already that we feel like there’s no reason to move lol. Workouts have been super helpful for me tho and really boosts my mood! Haha
I find it boosts my mood too.
What I usually do is put walk at home videos on YouTube to do in the morning especially when it’s cold outside and I just follow the steps. But I like the idea of marching in place while doing the dishes. I’ll try that as well! Thanks for the tips 🙂
I am trying to come up with new ways to get my steps in while at home. I really like the marching in place while doing the dishes.
If I can’t go out, sometimes I help my mom with the house haha. Cleaning the house is good to keep moving.
Cleaning the house is how I move my body the most. hahaha
I love to dance and also walk in the morning. I feel like exercising is so important in the morning as it gets you moving!
I have been getting into dancing a little bit more. I am no professional, but just blaring music performing my own concert in my house just makes me feel good.
Hi Michele, I love this post, I’ve gone through and watched your TikToks and the YouTube suggestions. I didn’t realise this post is from 2021 so I have one question. Do you still rate your Samsung 3 watch? Was it a fad or do you still use it a lot? I have never had a smart watch but I am intrigued. Do they take a lot of setting up? That might be a dumb question, I have no idea. Would you still recommend a smart watch?
Yeah this is an old post but I updated it and reposted it. I still use my watch every day. I track my steps, monitor my heart rate, track my sleep. I can even track my menstrual cycle. I don’t use it for that thought. LOL But I still love my watch. There was a few months where I didn’t use it but that’s because I had to replace the band and I am picky about the kind of band I wear on my wrist. The leather strap it comes with was not comfy when I would sweat and neither is a silicone band. It rubbed my skin off when I got sweaty. Neither were breathable. So I like an adjustable elastic band. It is comfy and can bend easily with my wrist. I forget I have it on.