85 per cent of girls and 78 per cent of boys get less than the 1 hour of recommended activity level a day. -WHO
We don't move enough. There are more cars, bikes, buses, trains, planes per head than in the past. Life is convenient to the point of being counterproductive.
Our ancestors had to walk more and more of our ancestors were farmers or involved in labour. They barely recouped the energy spent on producing and harvesting the energy they needed to survive.
Only a quarter of humanity is involved in food production now. We are way more efficient at producing food. Most of us get to consume more energy than we spend and sock away plenty for a rainy day. Safe to say that it is a good thing more of us are doctors, lawyers, engineers, fitness trainers and teachers. Moving forward there will be more of those groups. But moving more alongside moderating energy intake will be crucial to improve quality of life.
Making life more inconvenient is the key.
1. Walk to shops. Carry your own groceries and supplies back home.
2. Walk when you’re taking calls
3. Walk right after a meal
4. Interrupt sitting every 25-30 mins to walk around a bit and squeeze in a quick stretch or even a few squats if clothing and work culture lets you.
5. Walk to the gym.
6. Schedule weekend hikes.
7. Slip on a backpack with a little weight in it to boost your walk.
8. Take the stairs as much as possible.
9. If it’s not too long or polluted a commute, pick a walk or cycle ride.
10. Whatever tool helps, use it consistently. Watches, trackers etc.
11. Dedicate 3-4 hours a week on activity to become stronger.
Since there is no turning the clock back to an agrarian, rural or less mechanised economy, we need to figure out how to move more even when it is inconvienient. Activity needs to be akin to brushing our teeth, taking a shower or using the toilet. Things you do everyday with no thought or fuss. A lot of time you just need to ask yourself ‘what’s the easiest way to get this task done?’ And then do something far more inconvenient.
We don't move enough. There are more cars, bikes, buses, trains, planes per head than in the past. Life is convenient to the point of being counterproductive.
Our ancestors had to walk more and more of our ancestors were farmers or involved in labour. They barely recouped the energy spent on producing and harvesting the energy they needed to survive.
Only a quarter of humanity is involved in food production now. We are way more efficient at producing food. Most of us get to consume more energy than we spend and sock away plenty for a rainy day. Safe to say that it is a good thing more of us are doctors, lawyers, engineers, fitness trainers and teachers. Moving forward there will be more of those groups. But moving more alongside moderating energy intake will be crucial to improve quality of life.
Making life more inconvenient is the key.
1. Walk to shops. Carry your own groceries and supplies back home.
2. Walk when you’re taking calls
3. Walk right after a meal
4. Interrupt sitting every 25-30 mins to walk around a bit and squeeze in a quick stretch or even a few squats if clothing and work culture lets you.
5. Walk to the gym.
6. Schedule weekend hikes.
7. Slip on a backpack with a little weight in it to boost your walk.
8. Take the stairs as much as possible.
9. If it’s not too long or polluted a commute, pick a walk or cycle ride.
10. Whatever tool helps, use it consistently. Watches, trackers etc.
11. Dedicate 3-4 hours a week on activity to become stronger.
Since there is no turning the clock back to an agrarian, rural or less mechanised economy, we need to figure out how to move more even when it is inconvienient. Activity needs to be akin to brushing our teeth, taking a shower or using the toilet. Things you do everyday with no thought or fuss. A lot of time you just need to ask yourself ‘what’s the easiest way to get this task done?’ And then do something far more inconvenient.