This is a sponsored post on behalf of Responsival. All thoughts are my own.

It's a new year, and with it comes new opportunities to do the things we desire. One of the top things that people often say that want to try to do in any new year, is to be more active. We're often slaves to our work, which leaves most of us sitting at a desk all day. Tie in daily responsibilities, and we feel like we've run out of time to exercise. After all, it's one of those things we have to be rather intentional about. Staying active doesn't have to be hard or feel like a chore. There are even clever ways to get your exercise in during the work day, so you won't feel like you have to do 'one more thing' after you get home from work.

Here are a few smart ways to stay active during the winter:

Invest in a fitness watch

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to invest in a fitness watch. A watch like this will help you keep track of your daily steps. Keeping track of your steps can be an awesome way to set goals for yourself, and will help keep you motivated to walk more often. Watches like this are a lot of fun to wear, and can easily go with everyday fashion. Get your friends involved by setting up monthly goals together. Motivate each other to keep going to reach your step goals, and celebrate together to make exercising even more fun!

Take breaks at work

Most places of work give employees two fifteen-minute breaks during the day, not including lunch time. Take advantage of those breaks! Grab a friend, get outside, and go for a quick walk together. Not only is it great for your physical health, but it's also wonderful for your mental health, too. Getting outside during the gray winter months is a smart way to combat symptoms associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder, which many people suffer from. A quick walk can burn a lot of calories, and keep your heart healthy. 

Save space with a tiny elliptical

No space for exercise equipment? No problem! We can't all have home gyms with larger-than-life workout equipment. Luckily, there are lots of options for space-saving workout equipment that is lightweight and easy to use. One of my favorites is desk exercise equipment that can be kept at work- whether that be a home office or away from home. Taking up much less room than a stationary bike is a Cubii compact elliptical. These types of ellipticals are wonderful for all ages and body types. They can be used right at home, and are easy to pull out and use for a few minutes a day, all while sitting on the couch or in your favorite chair. You can even keep this type of equipment at work, and pedal under your desk while you work. It will help keep your body and mind active, and it's a great investment!

Get bouncing

Another cool and fun way to stay active when you can't get outside to exercise is to use an exercise ball. Many people who work from home have replaced their standard desk chairs with large yoga balls. They help keep a healthy balance while you're sitting at a desk. You can work on perfecting your posture, and bounce lightly on the ball as you work. When you're ready to take a break, roll the ball out from under the desk and do some simple and safe yoga ball exercises to stretch and relieve tension. If you're new to using a yoga ball, check out these easy yoga ball exercises for beginners.

No matter what kind of deal you made with yourself at the start of 2023, keep the idea that good health is what's important. It's much less about weight than it is about excellent heart health and overall wellness. Exercise is a form of self-care, and what better way to show yourself some love than to take care of your body, so you can live a long and happy life.

What are some of the ways that you plan to keep active this winter?