Movement isn’t something that is easy to come by in our sedentary world. For many of us, the day is spent sitting at a desk and working from a computer where information is easily accessed. We have vehicles to get us around, cell phones to keep us connected and schedules that keep us busy. Most everything we could possibly need is at our fingertips or in near reach!
All Movement Matters
Part of the weight management journey is learning how to break our standard way of living and incorporate new, healthy lifestyle changes – including physical activity. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, less than five percent of adults participate in 30 minutes of physical activity each day, and only one in three adults receive the recommended amount of physical activity each week. We’re not moving nearly as much as we should!
It’s quite clear that the majority of us struggle to include exercise as part of our routine lifestyle. However, all movement matters and all movement counts! Even small lifestyle changes that seem insignificant at first can go a long way in helping us become more active and mobile. The key is to make exercise a daily thought that becomes a habit.
Small Ways to Squeeze-in Movement
Are you looking to give physical activity a larger role in your weight management journey? Consider these beginner’s tips for starting off small with more movement:
- Take the stairs whenever you see them — don’t take the elevator!
- Jog in place or try jumping jacks while watching television or cooking
- After dinner, go for a brisk walk outside before it gets too dark
- Try taking some of your meetings outside for a walk
- Leave your desk, stretch and walk around every half hour at work
- Park your car at the back of the parking lot while shopping
- Routinely tackle your yard work and household chores
- Start your day with five minutes of movement after waking up
- Speed walk your errands when you’re pressed for time
- Take your pet outside for a long, enriching walk together
Learn More about Movement and Your Body
Regular physical activity produces astounding health benefits. For more information about how health and exercise are connected, CLICK HERE.
