Fitstop Blog
5 Tips to Increase Your Daily Movement
Do you find yourself sitting down in often in an office job? You don't understand how people get to 10,000 steps daily? You're not alone, and this blog post is perfect for you!
Increasing your daily movement
In the quest to incorporate more movement into our lives, we often rely on planned and structured training sessions. While these are undoubtedly important (don't skip your Fitstop sessions!), there are ways to make them more effective and increase your overall activity levels throughout each day.
This type of movement is called Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (often referred to as NEAT) and should be factored into your overall weekly movement average. In this blog, we will be exploring the types of movement and activity you can include in your weekly routine without having to allocate more time towards it.
1. Walk More
Walking is one of the simplest and most accessible forms of movement. Whether it's walking to work, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or going for a leisurely stroll after dinner, every step adds up. Aim to incorporate more walking into your day by parking farther away, opting for walking meetings, or exploring your neighbourhood on foot.
2. Stand More
Consider investing in a standing desk or using a makeshift standing workstation by elevating your computer monitor. Always choose to stand when performing simple household activities like folding laundry or meal prep.
3. Embrace Active Commuting
If possible, consider incorporating active modes of transportation into your daily commute. Cycling, walking, or even rollerblading to work reduces your carbon footprint and boosts your NEAT levels. If distance or logistics make active commuting challenging, try parking farther away from your destination and walking the remaining distance.
4. Make Household Chores Count
You may not see chores as exercise, but they definitely add ample opportunities for movement. Vacuuming, mopping, gardening, and all other housework all require physical movement, which is a huge positive. Instead of dreading chores, embrace them as an opportunity to stay active.
5. Play for Fitness!
Playing with pets or your kids isn't just fun—it's also a great way to increase your weekly movement. Whether it's chasing after a ball in the backyard, playing tag with your kids, or taking your dog for a hike, these activities get you moving and help you connect with loved ones.
Move More, Live More
As humans, we were born to move our bodies. On top of our daily planned exercise in the form of a Fitstop session, run, swim or cycle, it is important to account for all the little movements we do throughout the day. By incorporating more daily movement into our routines, whether it's walking, standing, doing household chores, or playing with pets or your kids, we can boost our overall health and wellness levels and reap the benefits of living a more active lifestyle. Movement is powerful—it not only strengthens our bodies but also uplifts our spirits and enhances our well-being. So, embrace NEAT and find creative ways to keep moving every day—it's the small steps that lead to big changes in our health and happiness.