5 workable Ways to remain Active to Manage Type 2 Diabetes — Without the Gym

1. Move during work breaks.
   My job requires me to spend tons of time ahead of a computer. I’ve heard that “sitting is the new smoking,” so I’ve adopted a replacement thanks to confirming I move during the workday. I exploit a way referred to as the Pomodoro Technique: I set a timer for 25 minutes, silence my phone, and specialize in one thing I want to urge done. When the timer pops, I take a 5-minute break. It usually involves going downstairs and expecting the kettle to boil for another cup of hot cappuccino. While waiting, I either walk at a quick clip around our kitchen or stretch my hamstrings, quads, and calves. If much of your day is spent on computer work, take breaks every half hour and move your body. You’ll do a couple of yoga poses or run up and down the steps.

2. Take short walks after meals.
   You probably think you don’t have time to exercise for half-hour a day, as most doctors recommend. After all, you’ve got an extended commute, a demanding job, and many family commitments. You don’t have a half-hour chunk of free time on your calendar anywhere. But did you recognize that three 10-minute spurts of exercise have even as many health benefits together with a 30-minute session? How hard wouldn’t it be to require a brisk walk for 10 minutes after each meal? And, if you are doing it with a loved one or coworker, you’re also sneaking in some social interaction.

3. Get a call at the garden.
   Gardening may be a lot of physical activity, whether digging, pulling weeds, drilling, lifting big bags of mulch, turning the compost, or pushing a mower. Outside, the sunshine also gives you a lift of vitamin D, which is vital for healthy bones and teeth. The added step of growing your vegetables and herbs in your garden is fun, rewarding, and beneficial for your diet. Consider trying Earth Boxes.

4. Try exercise videos on YouTube.
   About a year ago, I discovered youtube exercise videos. I started with low-impact aerobics, then moved on to more strenuous cardio routines and resistance training. After a short time, I even invested in a few dumbbells and hooked my husband. My six-year-old niece started doing the videos with us, too. Now, whenever she comes over, she says, “Can we do shuffle, shuffle, curtsy?” Not only are we getting our workouts in, but hopefully, we’re encouraging our niece to remain physically active, too.

5. Choose a hike
   If walking around your neighbourhood bores you, search for an area park. Many have walking trails where you’ll exercise while strolling through the woods observing wildlife and plants. In my area of Richmond, Virginia, we will even search for brightly painted rocks. There’s a movement here called RVA Rocks, where small stones are decorated and hidden in places people hang around (especially parks). Whoever finds a rock posts a photograph to Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #RVArocks, and they hide the rock again. You’ll follow the feeds to ascertain who found your gems. Hiking becomes even more of an adventure! (My niece loves this too. We’ve even painted and hidden a couple of rocks ourselves.)

The takeaway
Staying active to manage your diabetes doesn’t need to be drudgery. Use your creativity and find fun ways to stay moving. No gym is required.