We've all heard it all too often - walk more! It is a kind of a mantra that unsurprisingly hits right on the spot. Life has grown beyond sedentary. Not only do we spend more time sitting but the time that 20 years ago was subconsciously dedicated to physical activity is now devoted to driving.
But life is changing faster than our human minds can grasp, and that is why nowadays we need to pay attention to our bodies and follow a physical routine. I know people who spend almost all their time awake sitting. To be honest, I am sometimes one of them! And I know how easy it is to fall in that trap. While our brains work actively in front of the computer - day in, day out - our bodies are in standstill which is devastating for all our organs and our nervous system.
According to research we now spend more time sitting than sleeping. But our bodies were not made for that and this massive lifestyle change is taking its toll. Obesity is just one obvious consequence. The problem is that there is much more going on under the surface that might get late to fix when we realize it.
Did you know that prolonged sitting leads to an earlier death? Yes, even if you exercise, once you exceed the healthy limit of sitting you are doomed.After the second hour of sitting your insulin effectiveness drops and the risk of diabetes increases. Your good cholesterol drops with 20%. Calorie burning drops to 1 per minute. For more malicious effects of sitting, read here.
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How to make the situation better? Take every chance to stand up and walk. Use the stairs, instead of the elevator, walk outside, even better - walk in nature. Any time you can walk instead of drive to a certain destination - do it! Walking burns more fat than jogging! Walking on an uneven terrain is even better because it involves more muscles!
To see just how beneficial walking can be for you, take a look at the infographic below.
I know that all benefits of walking are obvious and probably banal but knowing how devastating sedentary life is, I prefer to remind myself time and again to just get out there, find a goal and reach it. For me, taking photographs is the perfect and simplest excuse for going out for a walk. What is yours?
We have 2 dogs that have the routine of taking a walk every evening with us. They do not allow us to be slackers at all. So we walk!
ReplyDeleteYes! Dogs are not only the perfect excuse for taking regular walks but also the best companions, aren't they!
DeleteSuch an excellent reminder Sonya! I love "seeing" all the benefits. For family reasons, I have to drive to work, but I park in the lot the farthest from my office so that I am sure to get a little walking in twice a day.
ReplyDeleteI love the new look! It's beautiful!!
Thank you Laurie!
DeleteI remember when I first realized that I instinctively look for the closest lot to any entrance. That realization was so absurd... and now I make a deliberate effort to do what you do!
my excuse is usually that it's cheaper than taking a bus or less annoying than asking someone to drive me (if it doesn't take more than 40 minutes). so I walk A LOT. :)
ReplyDeleteI am sure you are in great condition!
DeleteThanks for the wonderful post to remind us that we all need to get up and move around more!!
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome, Theresa!
DeleteWe got a puppy (Lacey our loveable Yorkie) so every night after dinner we go for a walk. She will not leave me alone until we go so if I want to get anything done after dinner I have to go for a walk first!
ReplyDeleteWalking outside with your puppy is so much better than walking alone, isn't it!
DeleteYou are right about how important walking is, and not just for our physical health, but for our creativity and problem solving too. Studies show that when you get into a rhythm of walking, especially on a familiar route, such as a walk around your neighborhood, your brain is free to work things out and have those eureka moments. Einstein and many other great and creative minds credit walking with helping them think.
ReplyDeleteAlso, doctors say one reason why getting a dog is so beneficial to the health of older people (aside from companionship) is that they have to get outside and walk them, at least a short distance, twice a day. :)
I sent you an email. xo, Mary
Mary, indeed! I use my daily walks to "steal" inspiration :) But even if it wasn't so, the simple act of moving makes us happy. Plain physics! On the other hand, we tend to like what's easier and that is why getting a dog, thus an outer reason, is great!
DeleteSuch great information Sonya! I have been going to the gym for over a year now and I always use the stairs whenever possible, but I still sit more then I like. Luckily my studio is in my basement and my bathroom is upstairs, with all the water I drink all day I am use those stairs often :)
ReplyDeleteValerie
Everyday Inspire
Valerie, I feel the same but I wonder how we are going to achieve anything on the Internet if we don't spend so much time sitting? I know a lot of people who have standing desks and work on their feet but I am not sure it is such a great idea... Your "water" in-and-out method is very innovative!
DeleteWhat a lovely reminder. Thankfully I live close enough to work that I can walk 30 minutes there and back every day.
ReplyDeleteGreat information, I love walking!
ReplyDeleteWalking was always one of my favorite activities. Can't wait until I can get back to it. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the posters Sonya .. I am a big walker although it gets SO hot in Texas in the summer you have to be creative ie. early morning! I also look forward to the day I can walk a dog again :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post, I love all of the little facts! I walk most every day, mostly because I notice how much better I feel. I'm a firm believer in picking an exercise that speaks to you, otherwise it becomes a terrible chore and eventually you'll drop it and never look back. For me, walking is my most favorite. The weather is always changing, the fresh air is invigorating and who knows what wildlife will decide to show itself today? :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful post and great reminder. i admit to being a slacker in the cold weather. You have inspired me to bundle up and get out there.
ReplyDeleteI have found out that having company is a great motivator for cold weather walks. Good luck!
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