If you haven’t seen Wall-E, then I highly recommend doing so.  It is a great movie.  Expecting a simple kid-targeted movie and some borrowed humor from Short Circuit, I was pleasantly surprised to see the environmental and cultural messages that were woven into the storyline.

One very poignant theme is the ever-expanding waistline of our society.  Although set in a distant future, the concept of automating our entire existence hits home.  You have to wonder where the balance is between convenience and laziness.  So much is now done for us that we literally have to make time in the day to do for ourselves via exercise.  Otherwise, our fatty diets will start packing on the pounds.  Does this seem de-evolutionary to anybody else?

So what can you do to stay active?  It certainly does not make a whole lot of sense to purposefully make life more difficult for oneself (or does it?).  After all, we invented the internal combustion engine and electricity for a reason.

Like most Americans, I typically spend most of my 40 hours a week in a seated position, staring at a computer screen.  It takes a mental reminder or a bathroom break just to get out of my super-comfy, fully adjustable chair.

As an aging 26-year-old (sarcasm), I require this special chair to ease my back problems.  Ironically enough, these issues are largely due to weak lower-back muscles that result from sitting all day.  It seems that, unless I sign up for a job requiring physical labor, I’ll be stuck in this routine for most of my professional career.  Frankly, I am ready to make a change in my daily habits, to improve my mood and prevent the looming gut expansion.  Here’s what I plan to do.  Feel free to join me!

First of all, the key is to get up and move around every hour or so.  Studies show that if you sit stationary for too long, your metabolism actually starts to shut down.

Take the Stairs

I already do this at least once a day, but I am making it mandatory from now on.  Even though I sit on the eighth floor of my building, the trip up is not really that bad now that I am used to it.  If you think that there are too many floors for this to be feasible, start by doing a few flights and work your way up.  Every couple hours, bust into the stairwell and spend a minute or two climbing just to get blood back into the legs.    

Bring Along a Friend

As goofy as this may sound, I am toting some weights (ie kettlebell or dumbbells) to the office.  Walking around my floor gets the blood pumping every once in a while, but having something to work my upper half would really help.  Every couple of hours, I am setting an alarm to do a few exercises and utilize more than just my fingers.

Working the arms and back will help firm up the muscles that are slowly deteriorating over the course of the day.  This will help prevent injury when you get home and start moving again.

Get Out for Lunch

If you spend 8 hours a day sitting down, then why should you do the same for your lunch break?  I know that sometimes, there is too much going on to escape, but try to get out and enjoy a walk if you have the time.  Going out to lunch?  Try to pick a place that you can reach on foot or via bike.  If you bring in food and eat at your desk, then spend a few minutes walking around the block.

Leave the Car at Home

Whenever possible, I am walking or riding my bike instead of taking my car.  Admittedly, I drive a vehicle that does not get very good gas mileage.  It pains me to move 4,000 extra pounds down the road just to get my skinny butt to point B.  Additionally, these activities fall into the “getting exercise without really knowing it” category.  You can easily ride at a comfortable speed without killing yourself, all the while still doing good for your body.  Studies show that replacing the car ride with exercise boosts your mood and energy level.  Additionally, daily physical activity has been proven to not only treat, but prevent depression and anxiety.

Be Active at Home

After a solid day of sitting around, the last thing you want to do is plop down on the couch.  At the very least, dedicate thirty minutes or so to something that will get your heart rate up.  I know that some days you will come home feeling exhausted, but some solid cardio will wake your body back up.  If you still have work, reading, or TV watching to do, try standing up or sitting on an ab ball.

On the other end of the equation, you can make it easier on yourself and reduce the number of calories to burn.

Eat Better

Rarely is there a meeting around my office that doesn’t include an abundance of fatty foods.  Donuts are pretty much standard for any gathering before 9am, and most of my coworkers show the effects of such indulgence.  I occasionally partake in a free lunch or two, but it is much more difficult to practice portion control when everything is laid out buffet style.  To combat this and curb my appetite, I will be keeping a stash of fruit, vegetables, and healthy foods around for regular snacks.  The longer I go between meals, the bigger my eyes get when the caterer shows up, so these will abate that craving.

Let me emphasize that diet alone will not keep you safe from health problems.  Your body requires exercise each day in order to run properly.  There is a reason that Jared walked to and from Subway during his effort to lose weight.

And Lastly….

Do Things the Old Fashioned Way

Maybe this thought seems counter-intuitive, but humor me for a second.

In the scant years since I was a child, I have started to notice a big difference in the way that people operate.  We have become so technology-centric (video games, internet, HD TV’s) that we are missing out the simple joys of being healthy and active.  Sure, I love the access to information and the entertainment value of Thursday night programming, but it is nice to get out of the house and enjoy our surroundings.  Play with your dog, play with your kids, or simply walk around the neighborhood and talk to people.

Every once in a while, it will do you some good to turn everything off and get outside.

DoGood!

Matt

Email your thoughts, suggestions, and comments to Matt@DoGoodedness.com.

Photo by JoshSemans via Flickr