How to build a fitness routine that fits your lifestyle

Lagos? The city never sleeps. Between the endless traffic jams (hello, Third Mainland Bridge), demanding work hours, and the never-ending quest for balance, squeezing in a fitness routine can feel lik...

Lagos? The city never sleeps. Between the endless traffic jams (hello, Third Mainland Bridge), demanding work hours, and the never-ending quest for balance, squeezing in a fitness routine can feel like chasing a danfo on a Monday morning. But don’t worry; even in the chaos of Eko, you can stay fit and fabulous. See how to build a routine that works for you:

Start little by little

Forget about two-hour gym sessions or marathon training. Begin with manageable goals. A 15-minute home workout or a brisk walk around your compound can kick-start your fitness journey. Consistency trumps intensity every time.
Use quick online routines. Apps like Nike Training Club or YouTube channels with 10–15 minute workouts are lifesavers.

Turn your commute into cardio

That daily grind of jumping from buses to keke can double as a fitness hack. Park farther away from your destination, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or power-walk between stops. Every step counts.
Try walking briskly for at least 10 minutes during your commute. It’s like having your workout and daily hustle wrapped into one!

Leverage the early mornings

In Lagos, the early bird beats traffic and gets fit. Wake up 30 minutes earlier to stretch, do yoga, or take a quick jog. The streets are quieter, the air feels fresher, and you’ll feel invincible tackling your day.
5 minutes of jumping jacks, 5 minutes of push-ups/sit-ups, and 5 minutes of stretching = 15 minutes of power.

READ ALSO: Five Fitness Apps We’re Using In August

Use your lunch break wisely

Who says lunchtime is only for jollof and gist? Use part of your break for light exercises like walking around your office building or doing chair squats. It helps fight post-lunch sluggishness. Always keep a pair of sneakers under your desk for impromptu walks.

Make fitness social

Why not catch up with friends over a Zumba class instead of at a buka? Sign up for weekend fitness meetups or join groups like Fit Lagosians to combine your social life with staying active.
Turn your Saturday hangouts into active events—beach volleyball at Tarkwa Bay, hiking at LCC, or even group dance sessions.

Dance like nobody’s watching

Lagosians love music, so why not turn up the volume and get moving? Dancing is an excellent cardio workout. If you love Afrobeat, amapiano, or old-school highlife, just get to it. shake your body and burn out some calories.
You can dedicate 20 minutes to dancing to your favourite playlist. It’s fun and sweat-inducing!

Lastly, drink plenty of water. Also schedule your fitness routines so you remember and not skip a day. Try this for a week and let us know how’s going.

 

Itoro Oladokun

Guardian Life

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