We have all heard it – sitting is the new smoking.  Most of us intend to get to the gym, but let’s face it – life moves fast. And as important as exercise is, it is also important to move.  How can we get an additional source of “vitamin movement” throughout the day?

1. Walk the talk.

Some of us are still attached to the old school landline when talking on the phone, but let’s face it, when we talk on the phone we are often mobile. Why not take that phone call outside for a walk, walk down the hall or as you squat or stand on one leg.

2. Dance It Out.

You fellow Grays Anatomy fans know what I am talking about.  Why not take a few minutes, put on your favorite tunes and dance it out. Dancing gets the heart rate up, allows our bodies to move in different ways and puts a smile on our faces.

3. Get those walking shoes on.

We have all been there.  Dressed up with the dress shoes on and then for whatever reason we have to walk.  Make adding movement easier by having comfortable footwear handy. I know not all of us get to be yoga teachers and walk around barefoot or in sandals all year round. Having walkable shoes makes parking farther away, taking stairs and replacing coffee breaks with walk breaks a little more doable, and less scary.

4. Disconnect from it all.

As Ferris Bueller once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it”. Disconnect for 15 minutes during lunch, go outside and walk. Find a coffee spot a couple of blocks away instead of popping downstairs for your coffee fix. Catch up with your work colleagues while taking a stroll.

5. Be a tourist … in the city you live in.

Have you ever been on one of those vacations that you explored your vacation spot, and at the end of the vacation you almost needed a vacation from your vacation? Those vacations where your muscles became alive as explored and moved and spent time outside? Why not try this where you live. Most places have a variety of tourist activities that often as locals we do not pay attention to.  Pack a lunch, grab some water and explore your city.

 

By Kelsey Wilson