Movement is what our bodies were designed to do! So why is the couch so appealing?

Many of us genuinely want to move more. We know we should especially when our clothes are getting tighter and we are out of breath after walking up a few stairs. Today's average lifestyle doesn't help. We go from our beds to a seat in a vehicle that transports us to our office chair where we sit for at least another eight hours. Then we head home to sit in front of the TV while we scarf down dinner we bought on the way home. Many of us then proceed to either watch more TV or spend more time on our electronic device all the while reclining on our couches, chairs, or beds. Why?

---

The reason is not so simple. There are many reasons that we have trouble moving more and changing our behavior.  

• Illness
• Fatigue
• Stress
• Lifestyle
• Lack of joy

Break the cycle!  perhaps by cycling :-) 

Remember when you used to enjoy bike rides, long walks, playing a sport, dancing, or even playing with the kids in the yard? Remember how it felt to get the heart pumping and your muscles moving? We need to find movement we enjoyed and bring it back into our lives. This doesn't mean we need to train for a marathon (although if that brought you pleasure then by all means carry on). 

Try to combine things you enjoy that are not active with activity. For example:

• If you plan a lunch or dinner with friends, add a walk afterwards. You will still get in the time you wanted to have for talking and catching up while you are exploring the area and getting in a little healthy movement.
• If there's a show you and your family watch every week, combine watching with movement. If you have a treadmill, a stepper, etc. take turns using those items while watching or simply walk in place as you watch.
• Try to integrate movement into your visits with family or friends. Plan to meet them at a  place where you can walk around such as a park or nearby place of interest (often denoted on highways by a brown sign). You can enjoy seeing new sights and getting some fresh air while catching up with loved ones. 

These are just some ideas of combining something you enjoy with movement. What are your ideas??? We'd love to hear your suggestions. Please submit your suggestions in the comments section. 

Adding movement in all areas of your life will ultimately increase your physical and emotional well-being.