A few weeks I wrote about the importance of using a device like Fitbit to give you measurable data. If getting more active is on your "to-do" list than knowing your "Point A" is required. The device gives you that. After identifying where you are, the next step is to take a look at the the general recommendations and see where you are relative to them...
The general recommendation for physical activity in this country is 150 minutes per week. Broken down over 7 days this equals roughly 22 minutes per day. How you get to 22 minutes per day is where the creativity can begin. Let me share a quick story with you. Last week I was scrambling to get some yard work done. The forecast had nothing but rain in it for 3 days and the area around the gym needed some attention. I got on the riding mower and did as much as I could and then pulled out the weed whacker to finish up. I may have been outside for about 75 minutes before the rain started. At this time, I looked down at my Fitbit and couldn't believe what I saw: I almost hit my daily step total and it was only 11 am!
Now that the weather is finally breaking, there is a tremendous opportunity to add movement into your daily routine simply by getting outside. Remember, 22 minutes a day over 7 days is your starting point. Go for a walk around the block, garden, clean up sticks, use a push mower, wash your car, or do whatever else you wish. Get outside. Get work done AND hit your daily movement numbers at the same time. You cannot beat that!
The One Guest that Never Leaves: Fat Cells!
I once read a story where Art De Vany was giving a workshop and a hand went up and asked: “How do you get rid of fat?” His response: “Don’t get fat in the first place”. A snarky comment but one that does not seem to be too far off the mark. As research from Yale has shown, once fat cells develop in your body, they do not go away. They may shrink, but they never disappear. They are like the unwanted guests at a dinner party. No matter how hard you try, they are here to stay!