Being a teacher and staying fit can be a difficult task to do and often when you start teaching your usual workout schedule gets thrown out the window to make time for new priorities, such as marking papers. So if you’re struggling to find the perfect balance between work, being social and exercising, here are a few tips on how to fit in fitness as a teacher.
1 Work exercise into your commute
You don’t have to work exercise into your commute every day, sometimes just once a week is all it takes to make a difference to your fitness. An easy way to fit exercise into your commute is by taking the bus and getting off a stop or two early and walking the rest of the way. Or if you are really wanting to make a difference a more challenging way to fit in fitness is to run or cycle to work. Not only is it better for the environment, cheap and great exercise but it will help improve your overall mood for the day. One thing that is really important to remember if you run or cycle to work is that you need to be organized and bring spare work clothes and shoes with you to school the day before. That way you don’t have to carry your stuff while you exercise which could cause some discomfort.
2 Move around
Sometimes it becomes a habit to stand stationary or even just sit at your desk and teach the lesson, which not only is bad for your health but can make your students bored and less observant during the lesson. Moving around more as you teach is probably the easiest way that you can improve your fitness. A simple thing like walking around the desks in the classrooms not only keeps your muscles from going stiff. Walking is also a low impact form of exercise which has benefits for all ages, such as strengthening your heart and boosting your energy and mood.
3 Home workout program
You don’t need a gym to stay active, sometimes all you need is 10 minutes of your day where you watch a workout video on YouTube. While this seems like an easy thing to do, we all understand that sometimes the hardest part is finding the 10 minutes of your day to actually do the workout. Waking up a bit earlier than usual and doing the workout and then having a shower is a great way to fit one in, or even fitting in a quick workout while you are waiting for dinner to cook. Below is some helpful work out videos that you can follow which doesn’t take too much time out of your day.
LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1CP05DrnpU
LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oTfGFUjutw
LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaoV1PrYft4
4 Be active at school
Schools have so many extra- curricular activities so you might as well take advantage of them. Get involved in sports teams or even helping out with events like Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, school trips, sport events or even a sponsored run. This can allow you to become more fit as well as the opportunity to try something new which you may end of loving. Being more a part of your school outside of school hours can also strengthen your relationship with your students and other teachers who are involved.
5 Have an exercise buddy
Having an exercise buddy means you are not alone in the journey of becoming more fit which can feel lonely and hard at times. An exercise buddy can boost your morale and keep you motivated to stick to your plans because you don’t want to let each other down. Often the excuse to not exercise is that you don’t have enough time to teach, be fit and have a social life. Having someone with you means that you are able to exercise and have a bit of a social life by catching up with each other while having a walk.
If you are interested in keeping you students active as well, below is an article with a video by the Michigan News with some helpful information and tips.
By Danielle Watts
