I don’t think I’m going out on a limb by saying, as a society, just about everyone knows we should probably be moving more than we should. Well, maybe not so much, but you guys do!
To be more active and burn more calories, we’ve all heard of the basic strategies like taking the stairs opposed to the elevator and parking your car in the back of the lot. We know this, but do we always do it? Odds are not. Actually, it’s quite comedic to think that some will drive up and down isles to find a great parking spot and take the elevator to their office only to have a totally killer workout in the gym later, bro! It’s better than not going to gym at all, but this zero to one hundred mentality causes otherwise easily avoidable problems.
Honestly (not that I would ever lie to you), it’s better for your overall health to be active throughout your day opposed to going from sedentarism to WODding Murph with a weighted vest after work. To non-Crossfitters, this means a super hard workout that leaves you sore for days.
Speaking of Murph (many named Crossfit WODs are in memory of fallen soldiers), I just finished watching Lone Survivor on FX while writing this — what a great movie! I usually avoid movies on TV or standard cable, but all of the background info and extras made it feel like an enjoyable educational experience, which was awesome. It’s unbelievable what those soldiers endured. I have the utmost respect for those that pay the ultimate sacrifice to protect us. Support our troops!
Okay, back on track! Yeah, so do more throughout the day opposed to going from zero to one hundred! Your body will thank you. Below are some simple strategies to staying active throughout your day that you may not have been aware:
Just to hammer it home: take the gosh darn stairs!!! It’s still the best strategy.- Park your car at the far end of the parking lot — wait, there’s more — especially after a long car ride to help mitigate the effects of sitting for an extended period.
- Use your lunch break to go for a walk, or walk to your usual place of nosh.
- Begin a regular walking regime. For example, our family will go for evening strolls around downtown Plymouth after work.
- Get a Fitbit or another activity tracker (avoid Jawbone) and challenge your friends for steps and bragging rights.
- Take your dog on walks opposed to just “outside.” Don’t have a dog? There are plenty of loving shelter dogs waiting for adoption!
- Walk barefoot. If you have previous foot trouble or typically wear very supportive shoes, gradually increase your time barefoot to allow your body to get used to it.
- Walk on textured and uneven surfaces, like grass, especially barefoot.
- Use the time while walking to spend quality time with someone or to catch up on your favorite music, podcast, or audiobook.
- If general walking is a struggle, consider walking in a swimming pool to being a walking routine. Walking in waist deep water reduces load through the knees by 50%.
– Dr. RJ Burr
