Five ways to exercise without even noticing

Even if you're been neglecting the gym for the last while, that doesn't mean you have to let your fitness fall by the wayside.

Getting around 30 minutes or more of light exercise every day is enough to keep your heart healthy and your metabolism working to burn calories.

While a high-intensity workout is always going to be the best option, there are some great ways to fit exercise into your day without even noticing you're doing it.

Here are a few easy things to try…

1. Go for a hike or a walk with friends
Make exercise social by heading out for a walk after work, or going on a hike to shake off the cobwebs after a wild Saturday night. You don't have to scale a mountain face with your bare hands, just pick a flat route and get going.

2. Get your dancing shoes on
Whether it's a Zumba class, a night out or a Spice Girls session in your living room, dancing is a great form of aerobic exercise. Just 30 minutes of dancing can burn over 200 calories, which is pretty impressive considering you'll still have a smile on your face at the end.

3. Get on your bike
Your route to work or college might be too long to walk and still make it on time, but get your legs moving by taking your bike instead of the bus. It burns far more calories than you realise ,and you can save your bus fare for more important things.

4. Walk the home stretch
Get off the bus a few stops earlier or park your car further up the road. Even 10 or 15 minutes walking at the start and end of your day is a great way to get the blood flowing.

5. Get moving in work
If you're busy in work, the hours can fly by without you even noticing. Be sure to stand up and move around at least once an hour. If you can't keep track, set an alarm on your phone or computer to remind you. You don't need to disappear for ten minutes at a time – just a minute or two of movement will do.