The "Magic Pill" of Movement

The “Magic Pill” of Movement

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THE MAGIC PILL

Imagine a pill that could reduce your chance of getting Alzheimer’s or Dementia by 50%. Pharmaceutical companies would be rich. And the general public would make this pill part of their daily ritual. Now imagine if this same pill could:

Reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Improve your self esteem and mood.
Reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Reduce your risk of cancers including breast, lung, colon and prostate.
Decrease body fat.

More benefits. Same pill. You’d probably take this pill, right?

Sadly there is no magic pill. But there is a magic physical activity.

“A study of 54,000 people at the University of South Carolina showed that physical inactivity increased the risk of early death and was more significant than the dangers of smoking, type 2 diabetes, and obesity combined.”

— Darryl Edwards, “Animal Moves”

DID YOU JUST TUNE OUT?

Maybe you saw the words “physical activity” and said “forget it”. I get it. For many, it’s hard to find time to work out. We get it. We’re also here to tell you that you don’t need to find time to do killer one hour workouts day in and day out.

Physical activity matters, though, as much as diet, stress management, and sleep. It matters way more than supplements.

Ever heard of the “London Bus Study”? In the 1950’s, heart disease was the #1 killer. Epidemiologist Jeremy Morris found that bus conductors – who were up and about and moving all day – had half the risk of heart disease as bus drivers, who sat all day, did. Even if the bus conductors did have a heart attack, they were 50% less likely to die than their counterparts, the bus drivers.

Later, the study was expanded and they looked at different jobs (postal walkers vs postal sorters/those with desk jobs) and diseases other than heart disease. The results were unanimous across the board…

MOVEMENT = LESS DISEASE.

JUST. MOVE.

Our ancestors walked 3 – 10 miles just to execute their daily routine. Today, the average American walks just 2.5. If you’re into biking, swimming or running, great. But if walking is more your style, no problem.

Here are some nifty ways to weave it in:

Opt for the stairs instead of the elevator
Take a call while on a walk
Park at the back of lot and walk to the store
(or better yet, walk TO the store)
Walk after dinner instead of plopping down on the sofa
Avoid moving walkways at the airport
Set an alarm to get up from your desk and move every 20 minutes
PLAY! Exercise shouldn’t be punishment. Do what you love and perhaps try something new. You just may discover a new love.

exercise, Fitness, movement, play, walking