Why Movement is More Important Than Exercise
Okay okay okay, I know the title is probably shocking some people, and I know that I’m going to get in trouble because I’m not a doctor. But I’m about to make a bold statement: movement is more important than exercise.
Think about it this way: back in tribal days, they weren’t going for a 30-60 minute sprint to that tree out yonder after a long hard day of hunting and gathering. The only reason why we need to go for a 30-60 minute intense work out is because we sit at desks all day. Our ancestors were moving all day and sitting in the evenings while we sit all day, move for an hour, and then sit again all evening.
Some people call this NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) but really it’s just moving outside of your exercise routine. Benefits include lower risk of disease, depression and disability – although you don’t need a doctor or a scientific study to tell you that. My little throwback to tribal days should be all the logic you need to be ready to start moving more.
So here are a few ways you can add a little more movement to your day:
Go for walks (not for exercise)
Some people use walking as their exercise time (that’s me, I am that person). But I have to remind myself that walking is a great way to get more movement in without having to use it to work up a sweat. Get off the bus one stop early, go for a morning stroll around the block, walk your laptop down to your local library to work for a little while – all very good ways of getting a little more walking into your day.
Drink More Water (to get you moving)
How, you may ask, will this increase your movement? When you drink more water, you will have to go to the bathroom more. You will also have to get up to fill up your water bottle more. Two things that will force you to get up from your desk and walk around the office, even if its just to the kitchen and bathroom and back. Genius, right?
Stretch Your Body
You can do this through yoga or just a general twist and turn in the mornings. Either way, it’s keeping your body moving and that’s what we want. When you sit all day, you are more likely to start feeling like its harder to move whether that’s bending down to pick something up or just moving about. Have a little stretch throughout the day – you can even do this at your desk!
Other Health Posts –
5 Ways to Reduce Stress at Work
Why we should stop normalising mental illness
References –
http://www.thenewpotato.com/2016/05/11/movement-is-more-important-than-exercise/
