Some older adults insist on doing mundane tasks around their homes, from mowing the lawn to cleaning every nook and cranny of their living space. Although we can feel a bit concerned for their safety, you should also look at it from a different perspective because they're just squeezing some physical activity to keep their bodies healthy.
Unfortunately, the older we get, the more likely we'll succumb to a sedentary lifestyle. Sadly, 67 percent of adults sit for about eight hours a day, and the remaining percentage remain physically active. Seeing as the gap is quite significant, it's best to be conscious about your health and be more proactive about squeezing in some movement throughout your day.
Because of this, many invest in fitness by getting personal training to ensure that they get the right fitness program that fits their lifestyle and body conditions. Trust us — we know how difficult it can be to choose to move, but in doing so, you're watering the seeds of a better and healthier life.
What Makes a Sedentary Lifestyle Dangerous?
No doubt living a sedentary lifestyle can affect your health in many ways, and most don't realize that. For instance, if you sit for long periods in front of a television, you increase your chances of developing venous thrombosis, which is blood clots in your legs and could be potentially fatal.
But if you squeeze a bit of movement throughout your day, even just by walking in your backyard, cleaning your room and living spaces, you can instantly improve the quality of your life. Because in doing so, you allow your blood to circulate without any obstructions, you help regulate your breathing, and you burn calories in the process.
Of course, working with a personal trainer or signing up for gym classes can also help boost your health. Not to mention, you'll feel more confident about your body, allowing you to do exercises and programs you thought you wouldn't be able to do at an older age. Don't worry — personal trainers will ensure that they modify your exercises to fit your current health conditions.
What Are Some Simple Movements I Can Squeeze Into My Day?
When you want to live a more active lifestyle, it's best to not overthink it. This is because the simplest movements pile up and make a huge difference to your health.
Saying no to the sedentary lifestyle and doing small bits of exercise daily can help you build a healthy routine that will benefit you in the long run. If you're only starting and want to start with small movements, here are some things you can do:
Sent an alarm on your mobile phone and walk for five minutes every two hours;
Consider walking around during TV commercials;
While doing mundane tasks, try heel raises where you stand on your toes;
When you're on the phone, consider standing and walking around your home;
While waiting for your food to heat up in the microwave or stove, try doing a set or two of elevated push-ups on the kitchen counter;
If you notice you've been on the couch all day, try doing ten repetitions of stand-and-sit exercises;
The Bottom Line: Always Find Opportunities for Movement
Little movements can help you stay away from living a sedentary lifestyle. By being more proactive about squeezing in exercise and movement throughout your day, you'll improve the quality of your life as you get older. Also, personal training will provide you with custom programs that will help you reach your fitness goals with the guidance of a fitness coach.
How Can GW Functional Fitness Help You?
If you're ready to live a more active and healthy lifestyle, GW Functional Fitness is here to guide you. Our team offers programs for group classes to help them reach their fitness goals. So if you're looking for bootcamp fitness in Greenwich, book a session with us today!