Staying fit and lean is a part of staying healthy.  However, more and more people are finding that difficult to do, what with all the fast food meals just a call away and the remote control within easy reach.

However, if you want to lose weight, the only way to do that is through proper diet and exercise. Too much of cliché? Yes, it is, but it also happens to be true. The right diet (not the yo-yo kind) and staying active are the most effective and healthy ways to keep the extra pounds at bay and keep your body fit at the same time.

At Home

Most people have the misconception that ‘exercise’ or even the phrase ‘staying fit’ means getting a gym membership and doing a couple of miles on the treadmill every day. However, most of us are either too busy or too lazy to do so. One easy way to start burning off extra calories without having to go the gym everyday is to do everyday chores. Ways that can really burn off those extra pounds include walking your dog, scrubbing the windows or the floor, or even taking out the trash.

Notice how your grandmother never battled the bulge during her early days? It’s probably because she had to take care of 6 children and do the laundry, the cooking, and every other household chore all by herself. Doesn’t mean that you have to go down the exact route, just start doing the dishes or mop the floor once in a while. You’ll get cleaner floors AND less calories to burn.

At Work

If work is only a couple of blocks away, start the day right by walking. You’ll be saving money on gas or bus fare too. Also, take the stairs instead of the elevator or the escalator to give your body an early-morning energy boost before you sit down to work.

 There are also a lot of things that you can do to stay fit even while sitting at your desk. Start by sitting right, with your back straight and stomach muscles tight. Stand up and pace when you have to take a phone call to give your body an energy boost, as well as a chance to stretch your muscles. Store files in the overhead compartments you that you will need to stand up in order to reach them.

Of course, a regular fitness regimen is always good for you, especially if you want to stay fit and work on your body at the same time. But you can always start with these simple ideas, and work your way up. Getting off that couch and doing some mowing is better than doing nothing at all.