The importance of regular exercise is widely recognised in maintaining good health. More of us than ever before go to the gym, attend yoga classes, swim, run, play tennis or do some form of dedicated exercise.
While having a structured exercise regime has many benefits, it is equally important to pay attention to your overall activity levels throughout the day.
Activity levels refer to the general movement we do during daily tasks—whether it's walking, standing, or even stretching while working.
Research has shown that even if you’re completing regular, intense exercise sessions, it’s still crucial to incorporate more movement into your everyday routine. For example, sitting for extended periods or having a sedentary job can significantly affect your posture, flexibility, and overall well-being, regardless of how much exercise you do. That’s why it’s important to balance exercise with frequent movement throughout the day.
Here are a few simple suggestions to help maintain an active lifestyle:
Take short walking or standing breaks every 30-60 minutes to get your blood circulating and to avoid prolonged sitting.
Use a standing desk or try walking meetings when possible.
Incorporate stretching, joint mobilisation or strengthening exercises during your day to keep muscles limber and strong (desk squats anyone?).
Aim for an additional 8,000 -10,000 steps a day (this doesn’t have to be all at once—regular shorter walks can be hugely beneficial).
By focusing on both dedicated exercise and regular movement throughout the day, you can optimise your health, reduce the risk of injury, and improve your overall energy and mood.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or would like guidance on how to create a balanced activity plan. We are here to help you achieve your
best health!