Your body was designed to move. It was not designed to sit behind a computer for 8 hours and then sit on the couch until bedtime. A prolonged sedentary lifestyle can and will lead to poor health.
One thing I have noticed in my 20 years as a licensed chiropractor is that there are generally two types of people when it comes to exercise. Hardened gym folks and those that have never been in a gym.
Oftentimes I hear patients say “I should do some sort of physical activity, I think I will join a gym”. Later they tell me they never joined or are too embarrassed to join a gym.
While joining a gym can certainly be beneficial it is not necessary to add activity and motion to your life. Many people are intimidated by the thought of joining a gym or doing an organized physical activity such as martial arts or yoga.
Here is some good news: You don’t have to join a gym to increase your activity. Keep it simple.
When was the last time you walked through your neighborhood?
Rode a bicycle?
Went to your local park and took a walk?
The first step can be the hardest to take. I would like to encourage anyone who is reading this to do something.
Take a walk.
Take your dog for a walk, they will love it. Take your young child or grandchild for a walk. Look around at the beauty nature has to offer. Take in the sights and smells that you miss when traveling in a car or confined to an office or home.
The benefits of walking are numerous and here are just a few benefits:
- Walking can lower your blood pressure
- walking can help with weight loss and proper weight management
- walking will increase your cardiovascular health,
- and although often overlooked, walking can change your attitude.
More than once I have gotten up from my computer frustrated and irritated only to take a brisk 20 minute walk and I feel like a new person.
Keep it simple, drink a glass of water and take a walk. My office is in Joppa, Maryland so if you are a patient here you are in close proximity to Mariner Point Park, Gunpowder State Park and the Anita C. Leight Estuary Center.
All of these places offer excellent spaces to get out and take a walk.
