Starting down the exercise route can be daunting and intimidating – particularly if you feel you are too unfit to even start, and are unsure how to take those first steps.
It is reassuring to know that even the most fit among us had to start from somewhere. Sometimes it’s good to know the easy steps you can take to help get you started.
Firstly, it is important not to overwhelm yourself. Start off slowly by adding just a bit more movement into your life. Time is a luxury that some of us just don’t have, and it can be a struggle to find the time for exercise. Try thinking about where you can incorporate more movement into your usual daily routine. For example, if you work in an office that has an lift, think about taking the stairs instead.
Fundamental Movements
Desk jobs unfortunately mean that we spend long periods of time sitting down, encouraging a sedentary lifestyle. Try setting a computer reminder to make you get up from your desk more regularly – just standing and walking around are massively beneficial. Not only is it helpful to move more, but it’s also important not to lose the ability to perform everyday tasks. Squats and lunges are a couple of fundamental exercises that carry through
into our everyday movement patterns. Getting up and down from sitting, climbing stairs and even bending down to pick things up from the floor all involve squatting and lunging. So why not add in a few more? Try going up and down your stairs while brushing your teeth, or do a few squats while waiting for the kettle to boil.
Walk it off
Walking more is a great next step to getting more exercise with the added benefit of fresh air. This doesn’t mean you have to go out for mammoth hikes – start small, just going out for a few minutes for a short walk every day, and gradually build from there. Walking is a great starting point and will build an excellent foundation for other forms of exercise. Why not replace short car trips to the local shops with a stroll into town instead? Not only do you get your steps in but you get the added challenge of carrying your shopping back. The key is to move more, but it is all about finding what fits into your daily routine.
Always happy to answer your questions – send them to me on melmitchellmassage@gmail.com
by: Mel Mitchell
