Integrate Movement Into Your Life

You’re on your way to a healthier life when you eat whole foods and turn away from junk foods, while also including a program of regular exercise in your life, but you’re not quite there until you integrate movement into your life. What does that mean? Consider the average person who spends their day at the computer. It’s their job, so you can’t fault them for that. However, there are things each of us can do to ensure that we live even healthier.

Start by moving around for five minutes out of every half hour to hour.

Whether you get up and walk to the water cooler or go to the kitchen for coffee, moving around at least once every fifty to fifty-five minutes can actually make you healthier. Studies show that sitting longer than seven hours at a time can wipe out all the benefits of regular exercise. Just getting up and moving around can reduce your risk for serious conditions, such a heart problems, cancer, stroke and even dementia. Get up and stretch, walk around or even run in place next to your desk. If you’re binge watching a program, set your time to a half hour and put the program on pause to do a few exercises to get your circulation going.

Quit burning up fuel and park further from the door.

Are you going shopping and find you’re circling the lot for a few minutes, trying to find the perfect spot that’s close to the door? It’s time to stop that behavior. Not only are you wasting gas and adding to pollution, you are hurting your body. In fact, make it a habit to park in the first spot you see, even if the weather is bad. Sometimes walking during crisp, cold weather is refreshing. The ultimate goal is to find ways to walk more and move more during your waking hours.

Take the stairs, not the elevator.

I have an older couple that are clients and just starting to get back into shape. Climbing several flights of stairs is not recommended for the husband, who suffers from physical limitations. Rather than pushing their endurance too far, they climb one or two flights of steps, whatever is most comfortable for them and take the elevator the rest of the way. Both husband and wife find that going down the stairs is comfortable, so they do that. When they first started working out, taking a few steps up and resting was how they boosted their activity.

• If you’re watching television or the big game, use commercials for exercise. They don’t have to be anything formal, just something to get your body working and heart pumping harder.
• If you’re starting any exercise program, no matter how fit you feel, always check with your health care provider to ensure safety. Ask if the provider suggests any limitations and share them with your trainer.
• Keep your bicycle ready to ride for those quick trips to the neighbors, or if you’re close to the store. You’ll be amazed at how riding a bike a little more each day can help you feel more energetic.
• If you’re already following my workout program, but find other ways to incorporate movement into your day, let me know. Leave a comment at the end of the blog. I love new ideas clients share.

Contact us today for more information at Jarilove.com