April is Move More Month, an annual reminder from the American Heart Association that every bit of movement counts toward a healthier life.
Most people know the importance of exercise, but the reality is that not everyone enjoys it.
If you listen to our podcast, you’ve probably heard us talk about how different we are when it comes to exercise. I’ve always loved it—give me a long walk, a spin class, or any fun workout challenge, and I’m all in.
Larissa?
Not so much.
She’s never really cared for structured workouts, but we both know that staying active is important—especially as we get older.
Instead of forcing exercise into a rigid routine, we focus on finding ways to make it fun. Because the fact is, if you don’t enjoy something, you’re not going to stick with it.
Luckily, movement doesn’t have to feel like a chore. In this article, we’re going to share a few fun ways we’ve discovered to get moving!
If you’d prefer to listen to us talk about easy ways to incorporate more movement into your life, check out episode 469 of our podcast here:
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What Is Move More Month?
Move More Month is a campaign from the American Heart Association that encourages people to add more movement to their daily routines.
It originally started as National Walking Day but expanded into a full month to help people find ways to stay active—no matter their fitness level. You can learn more about it here.
10 Creative Ways To Get Moving During Move More Month
Even though I appreciate structured workouts, I also love finding ways to sneak in exercises here and there just to keep my body limber. Here are a few things that work well for me.
1. Turn TV Time Into a Mini Workout
Most of us spend more time sitting than we’d like to admit, especially when a good show is on (like Judge Judy!). I’m definitely guilty of getting sucked into a binge-watch session, but I’ve found a way to sneak in some movement without missing a minute.
During commercial breaks (or between episodes if I’m streaming), I like to get in a little movement. Nothing intense, just enough to keep my body from stiffening up. A few lunges, squats, or quick stretches make a big difference. If I’m feeling ambitious, I’ll do a five-minute workout while the next episode loads.
Larissa, on the other hand, is more of a multi-tasker when it comes to exercise. Instead of sitting, she’ll fold laundry, pace around, or do some gentle stretching while watching her favorite true crime show on TV. It’s not a full-blown workout, but every bit of movement adds up.
Try These
- Do jumping jacks or squats during commercials
- Hold a plank or wall sit for as long as you can while watching
- Keep small weights nearby for light strength training while catching up on your favorite show
- Follow a quick exercise video designed for TV time—there are plenty online!
The key is to make moving a habit without feeling like it’s a chore. A little effort during TV time means less guilt about that extra episode (or two).
2. Make Chores a Workout (Yes, Really!)
I know, I know—chores aren’t exactly fun, but hear me out. If I have to clean the house anyway, I might as well turn it into a workout and get my heart rate up.
I crank up some high-energy 80s music and turn vacuuming into a cardio session. Mopping? That’s basically a full-body workout if you add a little extra effort. Even scrubbing the counters can be a great arm workout if you switch hands and focus on engaging your muscles.
Larissa might even join me in an impromptu 80s dance party if she sees me jamming.
Try These
- Vacuum in lunges instead of just walking back and forth
- Turn laundry folding into a stretching session—touch your toes between shirts or do a few squats when picking up clothes
- Sweep and mop with intention—engage your core and switch arms for balance
- Put on your favorite dance playlist and move like nobody’s watching (even if someone is)
It might sound silly, but by the time the house is clean, you’ll have worked up a sweat without even thinking about it. Plus, nothing feels better than collapsing onto the couch after a solid cleaning session.
3. Try Fun, Skill-Based Exercises
Some workouts feel like a chore, but when you’re learning a new skill, movement doesn’t feel like “exercise” at all. That’s why I love finding activities that keep my brain engaged while getting my body moving.
A few years ago, I picked up hula hooping just for fun. Turns out, it’s not just for kids—it’s an amazing core workout and surprisingly addictive once you get the hang of it. I’m not going to lie and say that me with a hula hoop is the most graceful thing you’ll ever see, BUT it’s fun…so who cares?
Other skill-based exercises are just as fun and don’t feel like traditional workouts. Juggling builds coordination (and patience), slacklining improves balance, and even trying out a yo-yo or jump rope keeps you active without it feeling like a routine.
Try These
- Hula hooping for core strength and endurance.
- Juggling to improve coordination (and impress your friends). I love juggling!
- Slacklining or balance boards to challenge your stability
- Jumping rope is an old-school playground game but also an incredible cardio workout
The best part? You’re focused on the skill rather than on counting reps or staring at a treadmill timer. And who knows? You might even find a new hobby in the process.
4. Host a Friendly Fitness Challenge
A little friendly competition can make exercise way more fun—especially if you’re the kind of person who needs a little extra motivation to get moving. I’ve always been competitive by nature, so challenges work well for me.
Even Larissa gets into it when there’s a fun goal and a little encouragement (and a chance to beat me at something!).
You don’t have to be a competitive person to enjoy a movement challenge—sometimes it’s just about having accountability and knowing others are in it with you.
Try These
- Step challenges Set a daily or weekly goal and track progress with friends.
- Plank or squat challenges Start with a few seconds and increase over time.
- Fitness bingo Create a card with different activities (walk a mile, do 10 push-ups, take the stairs, etc.) and see who can complete it first.
- Workplace movement challenges If you work in an office, see if your human resources department will organize one.
The key is to keep it fun, not stressful. Even if you don’t “win,” you’ll still get in more movement than usual—and that’s a win in itself!
5. Take Your Meetings on the Move
Back when I was in the corporate world, I remember sitting through back-to-back meetings. It was rough, and by the end of the day, my back was stiff, my shoulders were tight, and I had zero energy.
Now that I’m working from home, I don’t have quite as many meetings but when I do, I’ve started taking some of my calls on the move. If I don’t need to be on camera, I pop in my earbuds and go for a walk around the house, the yard, or even the block while I listen.
I know not everyone has the flexibility to do this, but there are ways to add movement to your workday without disrupting your schedule.
Try These
- Take phone calls on a walk instead of staying seated
- Suggest a walking meeting for casual discussions
- If you’re working from home, pace around the house or do light balance exercises while listening to calls
- Stand up and stretch during long Zoom meetings (just don’t forget to turn off your video!)
It might not seem like much, but small movements throughout the day add up, and you’ll feel way better by the time your last meeting wraps up.
6. Discover the Joy of Dance Breaks
I’ve always loved dancing, but I’ll admit that I’m not going to win any awards for my dance moves. That doesn’t stop me from turning up the music and dancing around the house just for fun. It’s one of the easiest (and most entertaining) ways to sneak in movement, and it doesn’t feel like exercise at all.
Larissa and I love to watch Keoni Tamayo at Reps to the Rhythm. He has a great selection of low-impact combination walk/ dance workout videos. He’s so fun and upbeat! Plus, the fact that he does this with his mom makes it extra sweet. His videos just go to show that you don’t have to go all-in with a hardcore routine to get the benefits of exercise.
The best part is that dancing is an amazing workout. It gets your heart rate up, works your muscles, and is great for brain health. Plus, there’s something about dancing like no one’s watching that instantly improves your mood.
Try These
- Turn on your favorite upbeat song and dance like nobody’s watching
- Have a quick dance break between work tasks to shake off stress
- Take a virtual dance class—salsa, hip-hop, ballroom dance, whatever feels fun!
- Play freeze dance if you have kids (or just for yourself, no judgment)
You don’t need perfect rhythm or fancy moves—just let loose and have fun with it. After all, exercise should feel good, not like a chore.
7. Transform Your Breaks Into Movement Breaks
Working from home has a lot of perks: no commute, a flexible schedule, and the ability to wear comfy clothes all day. One downside, however, is that it’s way too easy to stay glued to my chair for hours without realizing it.
To keep myself from turning into a statue, I set a timer for every 25 minutes as a reminder to get up and move. Sometimes that means a quick five-minute walk around the house, other times it’s a dance break (because 80s music will never die!). Just a little movement makes a huge difference in how I feel by the end of the day.
If you work in an office, it might not be as easy to break into a dance routine between emails, but there are still ways to add movement. Standing up and stretching, taking the long way to the bathroom, or using your lunch break to get in a quick walk can help counteract all that sitting.
Try These
- Take a 10-minute walk after eating—it’s great for digestion and energy levels
- Do a quick yoga flow or stretch at your desk
- Use a standing desk for part of your workday
- Try a 5-minute workout before settling back into work
Even small amounts of movement add up, and you’ll feel way more refreshed heading into the second half of the day.
8. Play Like a Kid Again with Backyard Games
Some of the best workouts don’t feel like workouts at all; they feel like play. When I think back to being a kid, movement was just a natural part of the day. We ran, jumped, played tag, and never once called it “exercise.” So why not bring some of that energy back?
A while ago, Larissa and I got a frisbee on a whim, thinking it would be a fun thing to do outside. What we didn’t expect was how active it would be. It turns out that chasing a frisbee around the yard is a great way to break a sweat and have a blast.
If frisbee isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other games that double as exercise—and you don’t need kids as an excuse to play!
Try These
- Join (or start!) an adult kickball or dodgeball league
- Set up a backyard obstacle course just for fun
- Play frisbee, cornhole, or giant Jenga—they all keep you moving
- Dust off an old favorite like jump rope, tag, or hopscotch
Movement doesn’t have to be serious. Sometimes the best way to stay active is to just go outside and play.
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9. Find an Active Hobby You Actually Enjoy
Traditional workouts aren’t for everyone, and that’s okay. The trick is to find movement you actually enjoy so doing it doesn’t feel like a chore.
For me, that means things like stretching, long walks, and VR paintball (yes, that counts!). I love activities that challenge me but don’t feel repetitive.
Larissa, on the other hand, would rather do something productive like gardening—which, by the way, is an amazing full-body workout if you’re digging, squatting, and lifting.
The best way to stay active long-term is to find a hobby that keeps you moving without it feeling like “exercise.” If it’s something you actually look forward to, you’re way more likely to stick with it.
Try These
- Gardening Great for cardiovascular health and keeps you moving.
- Paddleboarding or kayaking Fun and sneaky strength training.
- Birding Yes, there’s a TON of walking involved in birding! Check out Larissa’s birding 101 tips here.
- Join a community garden Movement, fresh air, and social time all in one. Check out these gardening tips from our friend, Augie Sanchez, aka The Unkempt Gardner.
The bottom line? Exercise doesn’t have to be a workout—it can just be part of doing something you love.
10. Explore Your Neighborhood in a New Way
Sometimes, all it takes to add more movement to your day is a change of scenery. Walking the same route over and over can get boring, but exploring new areas makes it feel less like a workout and more like an adventure.
I love checking out different walking trails or scenic routes, especially when the weather is nice. Larissa isn’t into long walks just for the sake of walking; she prefers to have a purpose, like birding or strolling through a farmers’ market. Either way, we’re both getting in more steps without really thinking about it.
If you need a little extra motivation, turning it into a challenge can help. Set a step goal, try a new route every week, or make it social by inviting a friend.
Try These
- Find an enjoyable walking route in your area—parks, nature trails, or city streets
- Set a step goal (10,000 a day? More? You decide!)
- Turn it into a photo walk—snap pictures of cool things you see along the way
- Participate in National Walking Day (first Wednesday in April) and make it a habit
A little movement every day adds up, and walking is one of the easiest ways to stay active without extra equipment or planning. Just put on some comfy shoes and go!
The best way to celebrate Move More Month is to find movement that feels fun and natural—something you enjoy rather than a boring workout routine you have to force yourself to do. Whether it’s dancing in your kitchen, playing backyard games, or turning chores into a workout, every bit of movement adds up to a healthier lifestyle.
If you’re looking for even more inspiration on staying active, check out our interview with Vegan Fitness Coach Gabriel Zhanay on how to empower yourself and others through movement and mindset. He shares some amazing tips on making fitness accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable. Listen to the interview here!
Which of these movement ideas are you going to try first? Let us know!
FAQ
What is Move More Month?
Move More Month is an annual campaign by the American Heart Association designed to encourage people to add more physical activity to their daily lives. It started as National Walking Day and grew into a month-long event to help people develop healthy movement habits. You can read more about it here.
How much exercise do I really need?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (like brisk walking) per week, plus two days of strength training. But even short bursts of movement count toward better health.
I have a busy schedule—how can I fit in more movement?
If carving out dedicated workout time is tough, try sneaking in small movements throughout the day. For example:
- take the stairs instead of the elevator
- walk or stretch during phone calls
- do quick exercises during TV commercials
- turn chores into a workout (yes, really!)
Little changes add up over time!
Can short bursts of activity really make a difference?
Absolutely! Studies show that even bouts of activity as short as five to ten minutes help improve cardiovascular health and reduce stress levels. The key is consistency—a little movement every day is better than none at all.
What are some fun ways to get kids involved?
Kids naturally love to move—it’s all about making it a game! Try:
- dance breaks during homework time
- obstacle courses in the backyard
- active chore cards or chore bingo to turn household tasks into a competition
- family walks or bike rides after dinner
If they’re having fun, they won’t even realize they’re exercising!
