A Move-ing Tribute

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I guess it shouldn’t be too surprising, what with the way society caters to making everything faster, easier, and as effortless as possible. 

Generations before us had to:

• Walk into the gas station to pay.
• Mow their own lawns.
• Hand wash their vehicles.
• Plant and tend to their gardens.
• Park and walk into restaurants for their food.
• Get off the couch to change the channel.
• Go to greater lengths to prepare a meal.  Frozen pre-chopped onions? Instant potatoes? Instant rice?

These are just a few of the things that are depriving us from getting more activity.  Add to that the number of hours we spend in front of computers and television sets, and it’s a real wonder we aren’t all the size of the monster in Cloverfield.

In the December 2002 issue of Prevention Magazine, Steven N. Blair, PED (a physical education doctor) said, “Most people don’t realize how very sedetary their life has become.”  Dr. Blair believes that a major reason behind so many people battling their weight is simply a matter of becoming to sedetary.  He referred to it as a “…gradual ratcheting down of daily life activity.”

Fortunately, just as a vehicle can be turned around when the driver realizes they’re on the wrong road - a lifestyle can be turned around when the liver realizes they’re on the wrong road.

The trick is being consistent and, downright, dogged about it.  When trying to incorporate something into a pre-existing routine, you have to have a single-mindedness, a stout disposition, and an obstinate resolve.  It isn’t something one can make up their mind about on January 26, then think about it again on February 22.  It has to be thought about each and every day between those dates and beyond those dates.

The following are some pretty cool ways to outsmart yourself and sneak some more activity into your days.

1. When putting away laundry, take only one or two items at a time.  Your heart will love all of the extra steps.
2. If you have children who are responsible for certain chores, take at least a few of the days during the week to do them yourself.  You’ll be super-parent for those days AND accumulate more activity.
3. When you go to the store for one or two items, take the longest possible route to get them.
4. Save the closest parking spaces for the elderly and for people with small children.  Park as far away as your health with allow you to walk and stride on out!
5. Stop going through drive thrus and make going into the restaurant a habit. Every little step counts, you know, and over time this one could really add up.
6. If you’re watching a favorite episode or a made for television movie, get up and move every time there’s a commercial on. Walk around the house, pace back and forth like you’re a nervous Nellie, or run in place.  If you have pets, they’ll love it. PAR-TY!
7. When you’re doing your regular activities, go at it with extra vigor.  Turn on some great music and move like you mean it. 
8. Every time you’re confronted with the choice between taking stairs or the elevator, head for the steps and never look back.
9. Mow your own yard, rake your own leaves, and grow your own vegetables.
10. If you work at home, set a timer to go off every hour or two - then get up and DO SOMETHING for at least 10 minutes.

If you have any to add, please leave them in the comments!