When it comes to exercise, I'm much more likely to incorporate lots of small activities throughout my day than I am to take an hour to go to the gym or walk around the neighborhood. I'm no busier than everyone else on this blog, so that's not my excuse. Little bits of activity don't turn me off the way those that take big chunks of time do, though, probably because I can see the light at the end of the tunnel when it's only 5 minutes at a time - that's something I'll try to work on as I get settled into my new home.
I got away from doing little activities back in Grad School City but I have every intention to start again now that I'm in a new place. It's stuff like knee bends or waist twists while I'm waiting for the shower to heat up in the morning. Walking around in the yard when I go to the mailbox rather than walking straight out and back to the house. Using my arm weights or doing crunches and back exercises during certain shows - The Colbert Report and The Daily Show are good ones for this (although it's hard to crunch when you're laughing). Stepping on and off a step while I'm brushing my teeth. I'm bad about this, but trying to break up writing sessions with bends and stretches and such. Using housework as exercise: one chore a day means I'm doing something active. Washing dishes probably doesn't do much (besides providing clean dishes) but mopping the kitchen or vacuuming or doing the laundry keeps me moving. Yardwork is definitely exercise. Right now it's too darn hot to be outside for any length of time but I have managed to pull a few weeds and keep up with the peaches falling off my tree - if I'm breaking a sweat, surely I'm doing something for my health.
It isn't much each day but it is something. And maybe building little healthy habits will lead to building bigger healthy habits.
Tag: habits
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I totally agree and I think there is even research to back that up. Supposedly, one of the reasons obesity is so prevalent in this country is because technology has taken over so many of the physical activities that were required of us in the past. Not just big stuff like elevators and washing machines, but little things like power windows, steering and brakes on our cars.
It seems that a lot of little things over long periods of time really do add up. I've driven cars without power steering or brakes, and I have no trouble believing this. Although, you know what? I've seen pictures of some pretty hefty women using those washboards and wringers. So I guess we still have to watch what we eat, in any case. Still, I am a great believer in every little bit helps.
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