Time to Move!

Almost everyone has become weary of our long winter. The cold snowy weather has caused many of us to hibernate and avoid going outside. Understandably, whether due to fear of slipping on the ice, or simply not enjoying being outdoors in the cold, most of us have avoided the very thing that will decrease stress, give us energy, and assist in weight loss. Going to the gym 3 or 4 times a week is fine, but we are missing out on the important extras of getting outside and walking, or cycling, gardening, rollerblading or jogging.
Now however, we have no excuses! The weather is fine. There is no more snow on the ground and it is light beyond 8pm. Somehow I need everyone to push themselves out the front or side door and just move! Walk, jog, cycle; anything. Just move.
We know the scientific studies that show the negative health impact of just sitting so it's paramount we push ourselves off the couch and get outside for 20 to 30 minutes. If you are already going to the gym occasionally, that's great, but you still need to move more. Not only will the added walk give you more energy, you will be less inclined to nibble and you will sleep better.
This winter I found a lot of people were concentrating on food alone. In the long run, to accelerate fat loss and reverse the loss of muscle that occurs every decade, we must exercise. Wearing a pedometer and aiming towards 10,000 steps a day might be motivating for some; others simply might want to know their distance walked (which you can easily calculate by going to the website ‘Map My Run').
Consistency is what you should be aiming for. It's not enough to start moving 4 or 5 times per week and then stop because of any variety of excuses. We must continue. It has to become a habit. For those who have time at lunch, get outside and clear your mind of the day's demands. For others the best time will be early morning or a walk in the evening. More and more people are using walking poles. These add stability and take a little pressure off the knees, but also create a bit of an upper body workout.
Find a friend to walk with you. If none are available go to your local Running Room store which runs free drop in walking and running sessions.
Although I mention 20 or 30 minutes, I would be ecstatic just to know you went out for a walk around the block each evening. After a while you will enjoy it. Not necessarily as you start, but certainly always when you finish!
So, commit yourself to a regular walking or cycling routine and continue with it. Don't listen to the negative thoughts that say "not today, I'm too tired". Fight through the negative chatter and just move.
You can do it. Just keep on trying and never, ever give up.

Dr Doug