It is truly scary to contemplate what a sedentary race we have become. The prevalence of obesity is the most obvious sign that something has gone horribly wrong but there also has to be a catalogue of health issues hiding in the shadows that will eventually raise their ugly heads. If we get any more inactive there is a chance that our species will evolve into a new lifeform that requires a Motability vehicle to get about. Like certain aquatic creatures before us, the process of evolution could see us losing our limbs!

All available research indicates that keeping fit reduces your chances of falling victim to a number of serious conditions including cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Fitness also keeps you mobile and active for longer and can even help to prevent mental decline. With so many compelling reasons to get off our bums we should all be up and at it immediately and yet the majority of people do little or no exercise at all. For many it is pure laziness that is an obstacle to activity and for others a lack of time and yet there are plenty of ways to become more active no matter what lifestyle challenges we face.

Standing Desks

Desk Jobs are a serious problem. Sitting down all day is extremely unhealthy but office workers can hardly refuse to work so if you are one of them what do you do? Well you can start by using a standing desk. Standing all day offers a raft of health benefits, keeps you more alert and burns more calories so even those who use computers all day can improve their lifestyles.

Daily Routines

It is actually quite simple to incorporate more physical activity into your day. You can start by walking instead of taking your car on short journeys and if you have to drive then park a little further away from the shops or the office to increase the number of steps you walk each day. Take the stairs instead of lifts and escalators wherever you go and use a basket instead of a trolley in the supermarket for small shops so you walk with extra weight.

Lunch Hours

Far too many people work through their lunch hours in the mistaken belief that they do not have the time for a break. The truth is that taking time out will actually make you more productive in the afternoon. You can use your lunch hour to walk or exercise which will raise your productivity, your spirits and your fitness.

Exercise

All these small changes will help to improve your fitness and to increase the number of calories you burn but you do need to do some more vigorous exercise too. No matter how busy you are you must find a few hours each week to do something and realistically this must be an activity you enjoy, otherwise you will never stick to the regime. Choose an activity that appeals and set yourself a schedule. You may think you are too busy but nothing is more important than your health.

Article by Sally Stacey