How to stay active (and why it matters) with Sam Wood
We all know that we need to move our bodies a little bit more to live a healthy life. Keeping ourselves active is important for so many reasons, some of which include:
- Unlocking more energy
- Boosts your mood and mental wellbeing
- Great for your heart health
- Helps maintain a healthy weight
- Reduces stress
- Supports better sleep
Most importantly, regular physical activity can improve your quality of life.
But... where do you start?
It’s common for those who aren’t active to feel overwhelmed and not know where to start. The reality is, that you just need to move your body any way that you can; small changes can make a positive difference in your overall health and wellbeing.
As we get older and reach different stages in our life, it can be easy to let our physical activity slip. Working from home is becoming the new norm and with that our general physical output can be reduced.
Staying active wherever you are
5 easy movements to get you up and moving, no equipment necessary
We are no longer getting up from our desks to go to meetings as we can now meet virtually by sitting at our computers.
Walking to the other side of the office to talk to a colleague, taking the time to go for a walking break with a colleague, or getting up to walk to the kitchen to fill up our water bottles are all incidental physical activities that can add up in your day.
If you are spending more time working from home, think about establishing new ways to get your body moving. Things like setting a timer and getting up every hour, scheduling a call when you can get out and go for a ‘walking meeting’ and taking small breaks to water the garden or check the mail can be easy ways to get that extra incidental exercise in.
If you are heading into the office, why not park the car a little bit further than you normally would so you can get some extra steps in, or take the stairs instead of the lift.
If you have kids, can you schedule days to walk, cycle or scoot to school with them in the morning or when you pick them up? You’ll not only get to spend some quality time with your kids, but you’ll also be promoting to them a healthy active lifestyle!
Setting yourself simple goals each week, and keeping them realistic and achievable is a great way to keep yourself on track.
Move with joy and have a goal in mind
If you’re looking at getting a little more serious with your activity, why not start jogging, swimming or riding a bike a few times a week. Find something you enjoy doing and stick to it!
Setting yourself simple goals each week, and keeping them realistic and achievable is a great way to keep yourself on track. Involving friends to either go for a walk or do a virtual class together online are other great ways to not only ensure there is variety in your week but to also ensure your motivation levels are high and you’re accountable.
We'll all experience those times when you just can't even when it comes to moving your body. When this happens why not set yourself a smaller goal? Instead of that 3km walk, you had planned, start with a 1km walk. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins that trigger a positive feeling in your body. You’ll be surprised at how that 1km goal will soon become the 3km goal you had originally set yourself!
related reads
9 ways to create a healthy mindset
Eating well, exercising and avoiding energy vampires all help to create a healthy mindset. Sam Wood tells us how these strategies, & more can help you stay on top.
What is HIIT and what are its benefits?
Want to improve your cardiovascular fitness? HIIT training may be a great option. Find out why.
How to set and keep effective fitness goals
Do you want to know how to set and achieve your latest fitness goals? Here are some top tips from our expert.
Reviewed by the healthylife Advisory Board April 2022
Sam Wood has over 20 years of experience as a personal trainer and is recognised as one of Australia’s leading experts and media commentators in the health & fitness industry. Sam is the founder and personal trainer of 28, Australia’s #1 home fitness and nutrition program.