One of the basic principles of exercise is activating the muscle(s). This is done by movement, by contracting, by pushing, pulling. This may seem obvious. It is. You should always be moving and when doing so in certain ways for various extended time periods, this is considered exercise.
Humans aren’t meant to be sedentary…we’re just not designed that way.
Our bodies are designed for movement.
So at this stage in our evolution, where many of us are either forced(because of our jobs) or choose(because we have Netflix) to sit for most of our days, what can we do to “activate” our bodies and become more active?
Nowadays, many of us are only standing and walking when we have to go from the chair we’re currently sitting in to get over to the next one.
We all need to walk more. Walk daily. Walk outside. Get some daylight. Breathe in the fresh air.
If you’re a mostly sedentary person just getting started, do 5 minutes-a-day at first. Slowly build up your time. It may be a chore at first, but with a smidge of dedication, it can become an activity you look forward to.
A helpful way to get you to look forward to walking more is to schedule your walks and attach something fun to the activity.
If you enjoy listening to podcasts, for example, listen to your favorite one ONLY when you’re taking your daily walk. If you’re just starting out and you’re doing 5 minutes-a-day, it could take you a week or longer to get through your favorite podcast…but if you’re dedicated, you’ll do those daily walks to get to the end.
After you get through week 1, add a few minutes. Make it 7 minutes- a-day. Keep working at it until you build up to 10-minute brisk walks 2 or 3 times-a-day.
I like to do a 10- minute walk first thing in the morning after waking up and another after eating my last meal of the day in the early evening.
There are numerous benefits to walking. Walking for 10 minutes right after a meal can help aid in your digestion…this can be especially helpful after a larger meal.
Walking is a great exercise for your heart and is of low impact so it’s not too tough on your knees or joints.
Walking can help to wake you up and get you going for the day. If you’re taking your walks midday, you may find that you’re having more energy later in the day than you were used to.
If you’re already active and want to take your fitness to the next level, or have had enough of being sedentary and want to dive right into a complete 8-week exercise program that will absolutely change your body and life IF you commit to it, then check out my No Excuses No Exceptions: 8 Weeks to a New You program here.
Always Activate. Get Going.
Alex Arion