How to get more movement in your life - The easy (and slightly unconventional) way
The What -
Focus today on easy ways to move more. Don't worry about whether that exercise guru on Insta advises that planking is better than a one-armed backwards push up or whatever. Just find the easiest ways possible to move more.
Swing your legs under your desk, use the loo that's further away or up one floor, park a few spaces from the entrance. I'm talking proper, easy-peasy ways to move more. No sciencey stuff or chia-mocha-mango-extra protein-non dairy-sugar free shakes needed in the process. No fancy-pants equipment or uber muscley personal trainer necessary either (sigh*) and almost no time investment.
Girl, just get to movin!
The Why -
Well, if I have a spirit animal, then it's likely to be either a sloth or a very awkward turtle. I recon i'm about 97.2% introvert (*scientific estimation pending), plus my favourite pastime is sleep. So for the most part, i'm perfectly happy in my cozy little bubble, curled up under a blanket with my fave snacks. Given I practically shudder at the thought of doing any actual exercise, it's safe to say, I'm probably not going to be cast as the next 'running lady' in a Nike advert.
So how do I ensure I don't end up consuming so many Jaffa cakes that I accidentally start to look like one? And that i'm still able to run if a fire breaks out?
Easy movement is what it's all about for me.
I do exercise that doesn't feel like exercise and I eat healthy foods that don't look like they were already digested. I also base my weight these days on how I feel, instead of on a number. I will come back to the food part on another day but for now, let's just work on the movement bit.
No need to stress ourselves out here, one step at a time hun!
Chunky Chunks
So how can you move more in order to stay well both physically and mentally but without having to squeeze your wobbly bits into lycra or break your nails? Well I like to use the 'chunking' approach. Sounds gross... its not, I promise. Chunking is just about sneaking in the stuff you hate doing alongside the stuff you enjoy, so it doesn't feel like such a chore.
You don't have to go running about all Lara Croft style to get moving (unless you want to of course, in which case, you go girl!) and you don't need to invest in expensive gadgets or equipment, again unless you want to. There are some super easy ways to get moving, without all the expense or your face turning the colour of a tomato.
Here are some ways you can get moving that won't hurt you (or your bank account) too much;
Make sports and activities about the social time, rather than the exercise. If you would much rather be at the pub, then chunk it together - A quick game/match/activity, followed by a cold one at the bar.
If you're not much into team sports, don't do them. Do whatever you want to do. Do the type of exercise you dislike the least and reward yourself for it.
If you hate getting all sweaty and tomato-faced in public, then don't. There's no need to subject yourself to those awful mirrors with sketchy lighting at the gym. (Why do they somehow make me look like a tubby zombie?!) Just use a free app like Fiton to do exercise classes at home instead.
If you're at a desk for a lot of your day, take the scenic routes on your breaks. Walk the long way round, take the stairs, use the meeting room that's further away.
When you're at home, flip around the way you do things. If you're downstairs, use the bathroom upstairs, instead of the downstairs loo. Dance your way from one room to another. Plank when the adverts are on and hoover like you've taken speed. Hoovering sucks anyway so you might as well do it fast to get it over and done with.
Take up a hobby that involves some movement or add some to it. If you're into photography, walk around to find new things to take photos of. If you like crafting, making or baking, do some standing at a worktop for a bit, instead of always sitting down.
Chunk your movements with places, people and things you like. Take your dog out somewhere new to explore and get your step count up. Meet your friend early for lunch and take a stroll together before you eat. Search for different kinds of exercise classes in your area that look fun to you, like bungee fit or trampolining.
Do whatever got you moving when you were a kid - ride a bike, play hide and seek and hopscotch or even treat yourself to a swanky new space hopper.
On the days you are low on energy, just mix some stretches in with some meditation. All movement counts.
If there's a shop, cafe or pub near enough to you, ditch the car, walk there instead.
Cook your meals, like actually cooking, not just putting something in the microwave. When you cook, you move.
If you have a garden or any outside space at your home at all, use it, tidy it and care for it.
See if you can get away with doing star jumps when no one is watching. (Be aware though from experience - this does freak the dog out a bit)
Go to the shops for things, it's more interesting than buying online anyway and you will move as well as getting to treat yourself to something shiny and new.
Stretch, wander, dance or skip around the kitchen whenever you're waiting for the kettle to boil.
Rope a friend into doing some form of fitness with you. Movement is way more fun and easy with friends. If you want to chunk it, go for an ice cream or glass of wine together afterwards. Because we all need a bit of balance - right?
Okay, so there's a few ideas to get you started. "BUT, are these actual scientifically proven techniques that are recommended by personal trainers and fitness gurus?" I hear you ask.
Hmmmmm... Doubt it. Especially as the last one involves wine and ice cream. But if you're like me and could easily spend an entire day on the sofa, binge watching Friends re-runs on Netflix - then surely some movement is better than none, right?
I'm not sure your doctor would endorse the chunking approach or hoovering like a mad woman but it works for me. So if your spirit animal is a sloth or an awkward turtle too, and you want to move a little more but without all the 'no pain, no gain' nonsense, why not try and get moving more 'the easy way' today?
The Who -
This feather was inspired by my wonderful friend who helped me to get moving when I was feeling particularly low. Because of her kindness, determination and friendship, we now go swimming together every week. She found us a lovely pool in a hotel which feels more like going to a spa than 'having to go do some exercise'. Plus I get some totally non-painful (even enjoyable!) movement in my life. Not only that but I get the 'chunking' bonus of chatting with a great friend and a total unwind in the jacuzzi after our swim.
Lou @ Feathered Paths Xx
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