Keep it Movin’

Getting older is a scary thing but having a body that no longer moves as it used to is even scarier. We all know that at some point we won’t be able to get up and go like we did when we were younger, but let’s try and make sure that time comes as late as possible.

The way to do that is to keep your body moving. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant. Going to the mailbox in your apartment complex? Walk, don’t drive. Taking the trash down to the dumpster? Walk, instead of propping the bag up on the trunk of your car. Come on, we’ve all done this.

If you haven’t participated in at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity at least three days a week for at least three months you’re considered sedentary. If you’ve been sedentary for a long time, these small additions will do you some good.

Once you start getting up off the couch more often you can add some low intensity exercises to your day. Low intensity means you can sing while doing the activity. Taking a walk, would be one example.

The sedentary lifestyle has many negative effects. Whether you’re working every day at a desk or driving a bus or taxi, you are putting yourself at risk for the following problems:

• A higher risk of developing certain cancers • A greater risk of developing depression and anxiety • A higher chance of suffering from certain cardiovascular problems • A greater chance of becoming obese or overweight • Higher blood pressure • Raised cholesterol levels • A greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia

Standing uses a lot more muscles when compared to sitting, and evidence has shown that standing up every 30 minutes and moving around can reduce your chances of a premature death.

Going to the gym is great, but it doesn’t offset the effects of sitting down all day.

If possible, invest in a stand-up desk. I was having some back problems, so my doctor wrote a note saying I needed one (they really do this). I didn’t make a fuss about it I just put my keyboard on a box and started working standing up. I guess my boss hated the way it looked. Long story less long, all the office personnel that wanted a stand-up desk, got one.

He said I’m a great nonverbal communicator, which I took as a compliment. I feel a lot less tired and stiff at the end of my workdays now. I wish I would’ve gotten one sooner.

Benefits of Exercise

Once you start to move your body more, try and get to the next level, which is moderate intensity. When doing these types of exercises, you should still be able to talk.

Going for a jog with a friend and still being able to talk about the latest joys of homeschooling is an example.

I know exercising for 30 minutes 5 days a week may seem like a heavy task if you’re not someone that likes to do it, but it really does make you feel much better throughout the day.

Studies show that 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week has major health benefits:

• Helps prevent cardiac disease and stroke • Reduces blood pressure • Controls blood glucose • Controls weight and helps prevent obesity • Helps prevent bone loss • Can increase self-esteem, improve mood, and decrease stress. • Improves sleep • Increased interest in sex • Better endurance • Increased energy and stamina • Reduced cholesterol

I’m an unapologetic tv lover, but I’ve noticed the more I move my body the more I’m motivated to get other things done.

I find myself being much more productive and even stopping a show in the middle because I know there’s so much more I could be doing with my time.

Trust me that’s no small feat for me.

Everyone has their own reasons for why they want to get more movement in their lives. Whether it be their own personal health scare, watching someone they love struggle with their health, or just not running out of breath when throwing the ball around with their kids.

There are so many ways to get moving.

Maybe you’ve always wanted to have a garden in your backyard. Maybe you used to love rollerblading and want to get back out there. Maybe that bicycle on your patio just needs some air in the tires to get going.

The choice is yours but try doing something that brings you joy. You have to enjoy something if you want to achieve anything.

For me, there’s nothing like walking through nature on a sunny morning appreciating all the beauty that has been put here for us. It makes me feel full of life and gratitude.

Exercising to lose weight and look good is usually what gets us started, but we all need something to keep us motivated.

What’s gonna be your motivation?