Simple Ways To Avoid Sitting Too Much
You may have even heard that sitting is the new smoking, but why? Chances are you are probably sitting down more than you realize. Did you know that prolonged sitting can cause many chronic health issues? Too much sitting can be the culprit of increased blood pressure, high blood sugar and unhealthy cholesterol levels – all of which can increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Here are some simple ways to help you move and get your body in motion.
Think small. You don’t have to commit to running a marathon! Just having the thought and making the first step toward an active lifestyle is a move in the right direction. Start with small goals and work your way up toward more challenging ones.
Find what you love. The less you enjoy it, the less you’ll want to participate in active activities. Find something that works for you and gently ease yourself into it. Dance it out to your favorite playlist, hike up a new path in your local park, or sign up for those classes at your local studio. Whatever it is, find what interests you and stick to it!
Accountability. Whether it is to yourself or with a partner, become accountable to make a conscious effort to move more. Take a walk around the block on your lunch break, and get out some hand weights if you have them to motivate yourself to keep getting started.
Daily movement. Exercise isn’t exclusive to the gym. Consider skipping the elevator or escalator and opt for the stairs at work, the doctor’s office building or at the mall doing your holiday shopping; park further away in the parking lot the next time you go grocery shopping, or perform simple stretches while you are waiting for your morning coffee to brew. Make easeful movements part of your daily habit.
Embrace technology. Use technology to your advantage, be it a calendar reminder, a watch timer, a fitness app or even an online fitness program. Track your progress, stay engaged and increase your movement as you start to feel comfortable.
