Dr. James Levine, a professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic, coined the phrase “Sitting is the new smoking”. Any extended sitting —in a car, at a computer or in front of a screen — can be harmful.
Research has documented that sitting for long periods of time is associated with a higher risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, depression and anxiety. Studies have found decreased hip mobility is one of the main reasons that older people tend to fall. Chronic sitters have tight hip flexor muscles and weakening of the legs.
In addition, researchers from UCLA discovered that adults without dementia who spent more time sitting in the day had greater thinning of an area of the brain that is important for making memories (medial temporal lobe).
Sitting is the New Smoking, mayoclinic.orgToday's easy lifestyle and convenience comes with a myriad of problems that can be solved by simply being more active, going outdoors and not relying on transport all of the time. The cost of inactivity has left people with things such as asthma, constant headaches, lung problems, the list goes on.
If people only realised how important exercise is and how it could relieve or cure many of their ills, the world would be a different place. The problem today is that we're so used to the way we live, we can't seem to see the wood for the trees.
The need to be more active right through life is greater than ever. Sadly most people can't equate simple things like walking for 30 minutes a day to a better state of health. It takes something serious like a heart attack for people to wake up and realise where they've been going wrong with their health.
The Answer
The answer is a simple one, incorporate as much activity, walking, running, swimming into a day as possible.
Inactive vs. Active Lifestyle
With all of life's modern amenities it's pretty clear to see that as humans we need to be active if we're going to a have better quality of life. Unfortunately a lot of people fall into the trap of using their car most of the time instead of simply going on a walk for the things they need. People like to have things delivered or on hand instead of physically going out and carrying things, like shopping in a rucksack and walking home.
Walking for your shopping and carrying it home on your back every once in a while, or walking into town instead of hopping on a bus, all of these things can go a long way to improving the quality of your life.
How Can I Make My Days More Active?
Let's take a look at some simple things you can do to live a more active life.
Try Walking 30 Minutes a Day
Walking is the simplest of all cardio exercises and doesn't require a treadmill or a gym membership. Just a good pair of comfortable shoes and suitable clothing for the changes in weather. I spend five days of my week walking, and I love it. I used to be a regular gym goer but that all changed with the lock downs. I've never looked back, and would recommend it to everyone.
Don't Use the Lift, Take the Stairs
If you're out and about and you need to go up a few floors, resist the temptation of taking the lift, instead walk up and down the stairs. You'll find that it will help strengthen your joints, muscles and bones.
Don't Use Your Car or Public Transport
We're so used to jumping into our cars to get around, when a lot of the activities we do can be done by simply walking.
Use a Standing Desk at Work
The longer you stand the better it is for your overall health. Standing also improves posture and reduces back pain.
Housework Equals Activity
Any activity that includes bending and stretching your body is good, so do as many chores as you can during the. You'll never look at hoovering and ironing the same way again.
Take Advantage of the Summer Months and Walk Later in the Day
The summer has a lot of advantages, and one of those is lighter nights and warmer days. A time of year when you don't have to get wrapped up to go outside and when you can take long walks along the beach.
Make Exercise a Regular Part of Your Day
I know that some jobs make it really difficult and stressful to do any kind of activity, but try doing a little bit as often as you can and build on that. A little bit of something is better than doing a whole lot of nothing.
Get into Gardening
If you're looking for more activity to do around the house, then why not start gardening. You can put boxes in your yard if you don't have a proper garden.
Small Changes Make a Big Difference
If you find it difficult exercising, start small and build up from there. You'll discover that it makes a huge difference in your life. Adding more activity in your life will lead to huge health benefits.
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