Did you know that not getting enough physical activity can result in the same kinds of health problems caused by smoking and being overweight? Moving more often can improve your mood, slow aging, and lower your risk of certain diseases. It’s commonly recommended that adults should participate in moderate intensity aerobic physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes five days per week, but you can also start out slow. Start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can to improve your mobility and physical activity. Read more tips below.

Start simple

Simply sit less and move more. Walk to the mailbox. Walk the dog. Take the stairs. Find opportunities to move throughout the day.

Be active with a friend

Those who exercise with a friend tend to stick with it longer than those who don’t. You can join a group or keep each other on track virtually.

Check your health

Talk with your healthcare provider before you start exercising. Engage in regular screenings and checkups each year. If you have a concern, get it checked out.

Find motivation

Use a smart phone or activity tracker to measure your progress. Count your steps daily and gradually add more.

How to prevent aches and pains while on the clock

Whether you are on your feet all day or spend most of your time at a desk, it is important to have a work environment that promotes musculoskeletal wellness. Musculoskeletal wellness focuses on the way your movement impacts your muscles, nerves, blood vessels, ligaments, and tendons.

For example, awkward body postures or performing the same or similar tasks repetitively at work can lead to poor posture or injuries. A large portion of the American workforce sits for over 4 to 6 hours a day. This may lead to low back pain and posture issues. Those who work from home should also have a comfortable workspace and practice good habits to prevent injuries. It can be easy to set up shop anywhere in the house. The way you sit or type can cause your posture to suffer and lead to aches and pains.

Prolonged sitting paired with poor posture can lead to muscular imbalances. It causes low back pain, neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and headaches. It seems like it is comfy to slouch — maybe even lean back and swivel a bit. But this posture is harmful. Try this instead: Sit all the way back in your chair. Place a small, rolled-up towel or lumbar cushion behind your mid-back to protect your spine’s natural curve. Bend your knees at a right angle and keep them the same height, or a bit higher than your hips. Place your feet flat on the floor.

While it is important to focus on how you sit, one of the best things you can do throughout the day is to get up and move. Movement gives your body a chance to get out of the same position. Try to stand or move 5-15 minutes each hour. Simply standing up and shifting or lifting your legs up and down can go a long way.

Posture is key, even when you are standing. Try to remember the following cues while you stand: feet forward and parallel, legs hip-width apart, hips neutral, and head looking forward. Ask yourself how you your body feels or how your posture feels when you stand. You might become aware of the footwear you have on as you pay attention to your body. Shoes with a minimal heel lift and a wide toe box are ideal. Shifting your weight back and forth is also a great way to activate muscles and fight against staying in one position while you stand.

If you are struggling with aches and pains, talk with your healthcare provider. Healthcare providers can assess your symptoms and help you receive the proper treatment and prevention options.

Source: ACSM.org

Sitting for long periods at a time can cause aches and pains, especially if you have poor posture. It’s best to take breaks and allow yourself to stretch and move. Try this 5-day movement challenge!