Your body LOVES to move … and your health depends on it.
Here’s a shocking stat for you:
“In less than two generations, physical activity dropped by 20% in the U.K. and 32% in the U.S. In China, the drop is 45% in less than one generation.” - designedtomove.org
Taking care of your body and muscles goes far beyond the results you see in the mirror when you workout!
In case you missed this Facebook Live video, I shared how I have never been a "walker." I just felt too busy to walk slowly. It seemed unfun and more of a stress creator than a stress buster. "Eh, I don't really NEED to walk. It's just a good idea. Plus, I lift weights." But I kept feeling this nudge to practice what I preach. So I bought a used Apple Watch that would prompt me to stand up more often AND to simply move. I was already in the habit of exercising, yet not being ACTIVE. Over the past 10ish months, I started with just a slow one mile stroll every now and then. I made sure the environment was motivating so I WANTED to walk. I WANTED to close my watch rings. I WANTED to listen to fun music. I WANTED to avoid sweat and go for the slowest mile time possible. I WANTED to be inside wearing pajamas (so I used my man's elliptical). I now LOVE to walk and feel weird if I don't do it. And I walk longer and more frequently now! CHANGE IS POSSIBLE! It has reduced my stress, burned fat, protected my joints, and not impacted my cravings! Moving your body on a regular basis helps everything from your energy levels, emotions, relationships and ability to learn, to your overall quality of life. Here’s just a short list of how movement (walking, dancing, gardening, exercising, doing chores, etc.) has huge payoffs for you:
● It can help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol.
● It can help support brain health. (One study even showed middle-aged women who were considered “highly fit” had a lower risk of developing dementia at an early age.)
● It boosts your mood by creating more brain chemicals associated with happiness.
● It helps you handle stress better.
● It can help improve your focus and attention span.
● It can help your body battle inflammation.
● It also helps power your body’s lymphatic system, which is like your own personal army against infection. Because there is no natural “pump” to help your lymphatic system drain toxins from your system, the movement of your muscles is actually responsible for helping to move this important fluid!
Here’s a little trivia you can even share with your friends: How much faster can you recover from a common cold if you exercise on a regular basis? Answer: Your chances of coming down with a cold are cut in half! It’s true! A study of 1,000 people found people who were active 5 or more days a week were 50% less likely to come down with a cold over a 3-month period. And if they did come down with a cold, their symptoms were about 40% less severe. Pretty amazing, right? The great thing about it is that pretty much all forms of movement can help you – stretching, walking, even conquering a mountain of laundry! Here’s a challenge for you … Every day this week, set a timer for 15-20 minutes and move. This could be a quick workout, a walk, or even a fast & furious cleaning session in your home. To make it more fun, turn on some music to make it happen! You can access my workouts HERE! How are you going to get your movement in this week? Let me know either in a quick reply or over in our Fit With Deb Girls Facebook group! What do you think? Are you up for it?
Comentários