Daily movement for longevity
How do you incorporate movement into your day?
This past week, the temperature was in the upper 90s and I saw my neighbor out in the yard. Picture Wilson on Home Improvement; for the last 5 years, this is how we have communicated, peeking and chatting over our shared fence.
My neighbor has inspired me to write about the importance of movement and longevity. At the age of 89, he is thriving. He and his wife live on a ½ acre and maintain a beautiful backyard filled with trees and flowers. Last year, when a part of their fence fell down, he promptly repaired it himself. His impressive health and vitality have caught my attention.
What stands out to me is that my neighbor doesn’t follow a specific diet or exercise plan; he actually prefers hamburgers and dislikes vegetables. However, he excels in daily movement by staying busy around his property and engaging in lifestyle activities that bring him joy. While many believe physical activity entails going to the gym, running, or lifting weights, there is also immense value in daily lifestyle activities.
None of us know how long we will live, but I hope that we can enjoy good health throughout the years. By incorporating more movement into our daily routines - such as standing up and moving around every hour - we can reap the numerous benefits of physical activity that doesn’t necessarily involve formal exercise.
As you approach the upcoming week, consider how you can take small steps to increase your movement throughout the day and reduce the time spent sitting.
Here are a few tips to get you moving…
Take short activity breaks: Set a timer to remind yourself to take short breaks throughout the day to stretch, walk around, or do some quick exercises.
Walk or bike whenever possible: Opt for walking or biking instead of driving for short distances whenever possible.
Use stairs instead of elevators: Choose the stairs over elevators or escalators whenever you can.
Stand up and move while working: If you have a desk job, try standing up periodically, stretching, or taking short walking breaks throughout the day. Consider using a standing desk or a balance ball chair to encourage more movement.
Schedule physical activity breaks: Block off time in your schedule for physical activity, whether it's a workout, a walk, or a dance session. Treat this time as non-negotiable and prioritize your health.
Multitasking with movement: Combine movement with other activities, such as doing squats while brushing your teeth, marching in place while watching TV, or taking walking meetings at work.
Set activity goals: Challenge yourself to achieve a certain number of steps per day, increase your daily activity minutes, or try to incorporate specific exercises into your routine.
Find activities you enjoy: Choose activities that you genuinely enjoy, whether it's dancing, gardening, playing a sport, or going for a hike.
Adding more movement to your daily routine can bring many health benefits, even if you have a hectic schedule. Remember, every little bit of movement helps, so don't feel disheartened if you can't commit to long periods of exercise. By making small, gradual adjustments to include more movement in your daily activities, you will promote good health and longevity.
For extra information on movement check out this article I recently read: https://apple.news/AqHAKqBSwT2GMXvqWfjJSWA
Looking to add more movement to your day? Reach out to me - I'm here to help!
Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.
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