Baby it's cold outside

It’s cold out. It’s tough this time of year to exercise either out of doors or simply getting into the cold car to get to the gym.  And sometimes we are just too busy. But keep in mind bouts of exercise as short as 10 minutes have cardioprotective effects (and I am not talking about high intensity or insanity workouts). Just go for a 10 minute walk. And if you can do that 2-3 times a day, even better. 

Exercise is simply a subset of physical activity. You put on special clothes. You go to a special place, like a gym. And for a set amount of time, you exercise.  But moving throughout the day, being physically active, is just as important as regular exercise. AND prolonged bouts of sedentary behavior are an independent risk factor for heart disease i.e. sitting at your desk all day. Perhaps already you are taking the stairs, parking your car farther, anything to add a couple of more steps to your day.

2 suggestions.

Since being sedentary is bad for your health, try a standing desk. I am not sure how people can get work done on a treadmill desk?! but a standing desk is just as good.  So I have raised the screen and keyboard on my COWs (computer on wheels) in my exam rooms. This way I can stand while updating information into the charts.

Although I have a nice ergonomic chair in my new office, I have brought in my 75 cm stability ball. Makes a great chair. A little core work and some bouncing and fidgeting when no one is looking. (Does anyone remember Hippity Hop? Or am I dating myself!) And it does come with an exercise guide if you feel like do some planks when everyone else has left for the day!!

And I am also a big fan of early morning exercise! Not so great when the alarm goes off, but you are a little sleepy for the first 10-15 minutes. And by the time you are fully awake, you are in the zone, back at home and done for the day, all before getting to the office. And who has time to eat before anyway?

Calories out!!

Julie Dunne