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We’re smack dab in the middle of the lazy days of summer. Everyone and everything moves a little slower as we enjoy long warm days and nights with family and friends. It’s easy to fall into the temptation of avoiding physical activity. But this is actually a great time of the year to recommit to moving a little more every day.
We often fall into lapses of inactivity but getting moving doesn’t have to be a heavy struggle. You can see and feel a difference even after exercising for as little as 15 minutes a day!
15 minutes
It’s true! 15 minutes in the morning, on your lunch hour, or after work is more than enough to start making a difference in your health. It’s really up to you to when it feels most convenient for you. Because we all know that if it’s more convenient, you’re more likely to stick to it!
Just throw on some comfortable walking shoes and take a mid-evening walk. Or hop on a bike and head through some easy trails in your local parks. If you don’t want to work-out in the heat of the day, there are plenty of activities you can do indoors. Swimming, walking on treadmill or elliptical, or even having a skate at your local roller-rink are great ways to get some activity in while enjoying the A/C!
We are at risk
I recently came across a ConsumerProtect report saying the organization has examined data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine the unhealthiest states in America. According to ConsumerProtect, West Virginia – followed closely by Mississippi and Oklahoma – is currently the most obese state in the US, and that there are many obesity-related health conditions, namely heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some types of cancer and stroke, among other health ailments.
In addition to these serious health concerns, many of us work all day sitting at a desk. This does absolutely NOTHING to our physical benefit (aside from paying the bills 😉) If a person weighing 143 pounds stood for six hours a day instead of sitting, they would burn an extra 54 calories a day. That’s pretty amazing. BUT, I do realize that standing for extended periods of time isn’t safe for all people. Those with joint or vascular issues should take precaution. A happy balance and regularly getting up from prolonged periods of sitting to walk around a bit would be best.
Did you know that the muscle activity from standing and walking is also associated with lowering risks for strokes and heart attacks? Again, some pretty amazing benefits from some simple movement.
Given the various health concerns, it’s crucial for all of us to get up and get moving. Choose the activity that you enjoy and move a little each day.
Get up and get moving
Last year I held my first #movewithme challenge. I challenged anyone who wanted to join me, to move together to reach a combined total of 3,300 miles! That’s the distance from Seattle, Washington to Miami, Florida! We didn’t meet that goal but many of the participants told me that it was the start of a healthy habit for them.
I’m excited to announce that I am holding the challenge again this year! I encourage everyone to commit to get moving for 31 days in August. From August 1 through to August 31, 2019 – participants from around the world choose to swim, cycle, jog, walk, use an elliptical — any physical activity whether indoor or outdoor that allows participants to track their miles. It will be a combined effort to reach our exciting bi-coastal goal!
If you are interested in kickstarting your health, moving more and tracking your progress as part of an international team of #MoveWithMe2019 participants, please go ahead and sign up HERE.
You are successful the moment you start moving toward a worthwhile goal – Chester Carlson
