How to Stay Moving, Even With a 9-5.
Wake up, sit and commute to work, sit at your desk, sit at lunch, back to work, sit and commute home, sit at dinner, squeeze in a workout, lay down for bed. Sound like you? You’re not alone.
The average American sits for 13 hours each day (and that doesn’t include sleeping)! Sedentary lifestyles can contribute to many chronic health conditions, but many people don’t realize this default way of life can actually hinder your fitness goals. Why’s that? Because when you sit, all electrical activity in your lower body immediately stops. Once you’ve hit that 8-10 hour sitting mark, all the work you put in at the gym is cancelled out. The best way to stay on track with your health and fitness goals is to find a balance between moving and resting. Your circulation, cardiovascular system, bone alignment, and bowel function optimally when you find this balance.
We know a sedentary lifestyle is difficult to avoid if you have a 9-5. That’s why we pulled together these tips and tricks for staying active even when you think your schedule won’t allow it.
1. Park further away so you have to walk.
Whether it’s work, the mall, grocery story, or your doctor’s office, getting those extra steps in will help. Imagine how these small steps will add up over time…
2. Ditch the car and bike or run to work.
We realize this isn’t realistic for everyone. But, who says you can’t drive halfway, and bike or run the second half? This is an awesome way to get your blood pumping and break up your commute.
3. Walk to lunch spots near your office.
Not only is this a nice way to get moving, but it’s also oh-so refreshing after sitting inside for so long. If this isn’t an option, cut your lunch 5 minutes short and go for a quick walk!
4. Keep your clicker on / in your TV stand
This one is difficult, but will serve you well! Every time you need to change the channel, or turn off the TV you’ll have to get up. Bonus points if you walk around during commercials.
5. Shop IRL
Shopping is actually a great way to get steps in. Take a lap before you start, or an extra lap after!
6. Organize walking meetings
Whether you work from home, or in a skyscraper, you can offer to skip the coffee or conference room meeting and go for a 15 minute walking meeting instead.
7. ALWAYS take the stairs
This one is a no brainer. Always always choose to take the stairs rather than the elevator. Bring a gym towel if you’re headed to the 40th floor!
8. Track your steps
The competitive nature in all of us loves a good challenge. If a Fitbit or iWatch isn’t in the cards for you, you can buy an inexpensive pedometer and set a goal for yourself each day!
9. One bag at a time
It’s tempting to load each arm with 4 grocery bags after a haul, but try taking 1-2 bags in each time. You’ll be much closer to your step limit by the last trip!
10. Volunteer to be a dog walker or take your friends’ dogs for walks
Okay, how can you refuse this one! This will be a fun way to get outside and get moving.
Written by: Michael Tatz | Linkedin
Michael Tatz is the Co-Founder of Resilience CBD, and a passionate leader in the health & fitness world helping others rise to and crush their wildest goals. A former Division 1 college wrestler, Army Officer, and investment manager at Goldman Sachs, he has pushed his body and mind to the limits on the mats, dressed in camo, and in the boardroom.
Today, he spends his time leading Resilience CBD to develop the absolute best recovery products for athletes everywhere. Resilience was founded after CBD personally impacted Michael’s life, and the brand was built to partner with everyday athletes in pursuit of conquering their most difficult challenges, rebounding after their toughest performances, and rising to their goals that once seemed impossible.
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