Move It or Lose It

I have to laugh—to keep from crying—at those that think 20 minutes a day is considered enough exercise. I’m not talking about the 20 minute a day exerciser that otherwise lives an active lifestyle. The ones that are on their feet most of the day, have a career that keeps them active or are acutely aware, at the end of the day that they have not had one moment off their feet.

I am talking about those that live a sedentary lifestyle the other 1,420 minutes of the day. These are the couch potatoes, incessant TV watchers and IPhone addicts that sit and sit and sit all day long. It also can include those that work behind a desk all day. An article in AARP magazine suggests that perpetual sitting can actually be hazardous to your health.

I remember when I first moved to Monticello and was exposed to some of the best southern idioms ever. One of my favorites and one I use often is—“I’m stove up.” When I sit for lengthy periods of time, my joints get stiff, my muscles get tight and my back aches. Basically, I get STOVE UP!

An online NPR article by Steven Blair states that “researchers are beginning to suspect that even if you engage in regular exercise daily, it may not be enough to counteract the effects of too much sitting during the rest of the day.”

The same article reveals that “if you’re sitting, your muscles are not contracting, perhaps except to type. But the big muscles, like in your legs and back, are sitting there pretty quietly, and because the major muscles aren’t moving, metabolism slows down.” I suspect that blood circulation is also compromised.

Blair says this creates less desirable levels of cholesterol, blood sugar, triglycerides and even waist size, which increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease and a number of health problems. I suspect if you are only legitimately active 20-30 minutes a day, you are still living a mostly sedentary lifestyle.

Move it or lose it. The remedies are simple and can be life-saving. Many solutions I have mentioned in previous articles and include; parking further away from your destination and taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Some other logical choices may include using a stability ball instead of a desk chair and putting your printer a short walking distance away from your work space.

Taking frequent breaks is mandatory. Take 10-minute scheduled breaks throughout the day. Stand up, go visit a colleague and stretch during these breaks. If you are at home, wash some dishes, do laundry, sweep, mop or vacuum.

If possible take a 10 minute walk during your lunch break. I’ve even jogged in place during bus duty. Yes, I look weird, but most people that know me don’t ask questions.

Most importantly, don’t deceive yourself. Being active is more than a short daily workout; it is the commitment to move as often as you can.

If you have questions, email: suzannemcginnis@me.com.