top of page
Writer's pictureConnor Ryan

Are you a couch potato?

Have a few missed gym sessions turned into a few missed months? Have you been “WFH”? and this has turned your daily walks into a lazily glide to the home office and back? Perhaps you’ve always disliked the thought of exercise and have fallen into the habit of spending most of the day sitting or lying down. If this is the case, it could be that you’ve fallen into a sedentary lifestyle.


What exactly is a sedentary lifestyle?

Being sedentary is defined as being physically inactive. If you walk every day, have a regular training programme at the gym, exercise at home or are on your feet all day at work, then you would most likely be considered active. Sedentary tendencies include anything that doesn’t involve physical movement. Like if you drive or get the bus to work, sit at a computer for most of the day and are unable to make time for regularly exercise, then you are likely to be physically inactive or sedentary.

What are the risks to a sedentary lifestyle?



A sedentary lifestyle is often linked to a host of negative consequences and risks to your health.


These Include:

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Cardiovascular diseases

  • Coronary heart disease

  • Obesity

  • Decreases in muscle mass

  • Raised blood pressure

  • Higher cholesterol levels

Whilst it is important to know and understand the risks of being sedentary, it is also vital to be aware of the benefits that an active lifestyle can provide. These include:

  • Boost your mental wellbeing

  • Improve your heart health

  • Help you lose weight

  • Support your immune system

And there are many more fantastic health benefits. While you may not suffer with health problems now, being physically active can help to support your body as you age, keeping you fit, healthy and happy.




So how can I avoid a sedentary lifestyle?

If you’ve fallen into a sedentary lifestyle, the idea of getting into a workout routine may seem daunting. However, there are some steps you can take to simply and effectively increase your activity levels:

  • Perform some kind of physical activity every day, even if it’s very small. Anything is better than nothing, so if the idea of a full workout or a run seems intimidating at first, you can start with small stretches, short walks, or even dancing around your living room to get started

  • Break up longer periods of not moving with movement, like standing as you make a coffee, or simply spend a couple of minutes stretching and moving. This all adds to your NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis), which is essentially all activity that isn’t planned.

  • Mobility and flexibility are also important for your overall wellbeing and can be integrated into your day in gentle ways. Performing simple stretches and easy flow actions to keep your body moving.

  • Don’t be afraid to get started at a gym. Sometimes it can really help to have a set location to work on your health, gyms will have all the equipment you need. It may feel intimidating, but it doesn’t need to be, everyone must start somewhere.

  • Focus on consistency and forming active habits - it’s one of the best ways to make sure you’re getting the right amount of exercise every week. Making simple movements part of your weekly routine will help to keep you motivated, helping to form a lifestyle rather than trying to force yourself to exercise.

Any questions for Connor let us know



142 views0 comments

Comentarios


bottom of page