Get A Move On!

Let’s chat about moving. Not from your home, not from your friends and family. I’m referring to that chair, couch, desk, or bed you sit, or lie in most of the time.  Did you know that 6 or more hours a day of sitting or lying down are “requirements” for a sedentary lifestyle? That’s a shocking fact! Unfortunately, in this information age of technology that is an easy requirement to meet. TVs, computers, smartphones, and retirement all promote long periods of inertia. 

What happens when you aren’t moving? You experience fatigue, muscle weakness, joint stiffness, decreased circulation, and slowed metabolism. It can also increase anxiety and depression. The rate of chronic disease and cognitive decline increases dramatically.

What happens when you move? You feed your body from the inside at the cellular level. When you move you improve your body from your joints to your brain. You decrease the disease risk, strengthen your bones and muscles, help manage weight, and increase mental well-being.

Who wouldn’t want to move? I understand the struggle. We all have our excuses for not taking action. Change is difficult. Patterns are hard to break, habits hard to undo, and minds hard to control. 

Here’s the thing. Regardless of our situation, we all have free will, and the choice to choose. We can break that pattern, undo that habit, and strengthen our minds. We can choose to no longer make excuses and take action. 

Physical activity, even in the smallest increments, is a decision to improve yourself. It is a positive mindset, that in itself brings decreased stress, reduces negative thoughts, increases mental well-being, and boosts confidence.

And guess what? You don’t have to join a gym, or a group, buy expensive equipment, or set aside blocks of time. You can choose your own pace, how, when, and where. Here’s some simple ideas to start moving.

3 Minutes Every Hour

Research shows that our bodies are built to move. Moving for 3 minutes every hour brings benefits. That’s a commercial break on TV, a walk to the kitchen or upstairs, jumping jacks, marching in place, or dancing a few steps. It is a small, positive health choice with remarkable benefits. Research showed better sleep, and increases in bone strength, heart health, and weight management with just 3 minutes an hour of moving! You can do this!

3-10 minute activity breaks 5 days a week.

3 -10 minute activities a day that get you moving are as beneficial as 1 30 minute workout. Go for a walk, vacuum, take the dog on a run, go for a bike ride, or anything that increases activity level. Studies show that 10 minutes of physical activity can boost your physical fitness, energy, and mood. A healthy habit that brings great results!

Counting Steps

A great way to monitor your activity level is through step counter apps. They add up the steps you take during the day. It helps to motivate you through real-time stats of your activity level. Steps, calories, physical activity, and sleep time are measured and recorded to help you achieve your goals. Many are free to download and user-friendly. Check your phone, a lot of the apps are part of your system, and are already loaded. I use Samsung Health preloaded on my phone, and the Iphone has Apple Health.  It’s a positive way to see your success, challenge yourself, and stay motivated. Movement made easy!

It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you get up out of your chair, off your couch, away from that desk, or out of that bed. The 1st step is the hardest, but every one after that becomes easier. Dig down and find the determination to begin.

Healthier choices lead to positive change. Exercise your free will. Choose to start moving. It is a small change with enormous benefits. It is a step towards holistic aging and discovering its endless possibilities.

Join us! Let’s chat!