These days, adults are spending more time sitting than ever before, whether it’s on the job or in front of a screen at home. This is a problem when you consider the fact that physical inactivity doubles the risk of heart disease!
But there’s an antidote to this ailment. We can build activity and movement into our lives at work and home by incorporating quick walks into our routine. Maybe you want to walk alone to gather your thoughts, or go with a friend or colleague whose company you enjoy….either will help boost both your physical health, as well as your overall wellbeing.
Wellpower Walk
To help get you started, Wellpower will celebrate National Walking Day on Wednesday, April 3, 2013, by hosting a noon-time walk from two locations, one on main campus and one on east campus. Show your friends and colleagues that you care about their health by inviting them to come along, as well, and don’t forget your sneakers!
Our two groups will meet in the following locations at noon:
Red Group — steps of Dallas Hall
Blue Group — atrium of Expressway Tower
Each walk will be 1.5-2 miles long and last between 30 and 45 minutes. If the weather is uncooperative, we will meet on the upstairs track at Dedman Center (membership is required).
Everyone who participates in the walk will have his/her name entered into a drawing to win a FitBit Zip pedometer, so be sure you sign in at your walk location. Â A pedometer is a great way to monitor your daily activity as you pursue the goal of moving more every day. We will have a supply of basic pedometers available for walkers onsite, so feel free to request one when you arrive!
Sign Up For the Wellpower Walk Now!Â
Tips For Increasing Your Activity Every Day
- Do 10 minutes of housework right after eating a meal. It will help your body manage the energy boost you just gave it.
- Get outside and work in the yard or mow the grass. Bonus points for raking leaves the old-fashioned way!
- Under-promise and over-deliver. Set your goal to walk just 5-10 minutes and at the end of 10 minutes, ask yourself to do 5 more minutes. In many cases, you’ll say “Yes!” You’ll work your way up to 30 minutes in no time!
- Doing laundry? Take smaller loads of your clean laundry to its desti
nation so that you make more trips throughout the house. - Hide your video remote control or put it in another room so you’ll have to go get it before hitting the couch.Â
- Walk the dog (it’s good for our furry friends, too!)
- Park farther away from your office and use the short walk to get your mind set for a positive day – and to unwind before going home.
- Have “power hour” at your house! This is when everyone gets busy for 1 hour by cleaning, exercising, or working in the yard. Put on your favorite upbeat music to keep you moving.Â
- Keep exercise equipment repaired and in a location that is convenient for you to use. If you must put it in a room that is not used frequently, put other things (like the remote) in the same room that will force you to go into the “exercise room” more often. If you see it, you’re more likely to use it!
Great Resources on Walking
- Start Walking Now – American Heart Association website with resources and tools.
- Map My Walk – Great way to create walking paths, share them with others, and monitor your distance.
- The Walking Site – Website with numerous resources and supports for walkers.
Questions? Email wellpower@smu.edu.
