A fit lifestyle is moving regularly through the day. When the dog asks to go for a walk, go for a walk rather than sitting on the couch watching TV. If the kids want to go outside with you & throw a ball around, go play outside rather than sitting in front of the computer. If you’re wasting time & getting nothing accomplished, there’s always housework or yard work to do. If you’re all caught up on yours than Yay for you! Go help a friend or neighbor catch up with theirs. If you have kids, take them to help too.
Being fit isn’t about busting your butt for 2 hours in the gym every day (that is either slow, obsessive or training for competition). Being obsessed isn’t healthy either. And training for a competition is short term. The pros don’t go as hard at 50 like they did at 20. We all have to adjust our workload according to what suits us best. I guarantee that sitting in front of a screen for most of the day is not best for anyone. We are talking life long habits or maintenance here, whatever you want to call it.
Living a fit life is parking further away from the store. It is definitely not parking in the handicap space when you are not qualified to do so! Take the stairs instead of the elevator (not too relevant around here) and other such things as these. Spending time on the floor (playing, stretching or moving in whatever way you feel like)& other such movement activities will help us improve our level of fitness.
Enjoy regular physical labor. A fit, healthy lifestyle is learning to love the things that you do. If you have to mow the lawn, make the best of it, you know you’re going to feel better after it’s done. If you have to prune the trees, think of how strong your arms & trunk are going to feel! Figure out how to move in a way that it doesn’t hurt. Stand taller, imagine a string is attached to the top of your head & it’s pulling you towards the ceiling or sky. Shoulders in most cases should be kept back & down, not shrugging up towards your ears. When bending over especially with a load, fold at your hips, rather than rounding your back.
If you are finding that when you get moving you always end up in worse pain, then you are either doing too much too soon or you’re not moving correctly. You need to learn how to move safely. A personal trainer or physiotherapist & other such movement professionals will be able to help you with this. So first, get the help that is needed & then get moving!
Work hard & reap the benefits. There are many benefits.
Practice makes Permanent. Move more to feel better.
For more info or if you have questions, feel free to email me.