By Alison McMillan, Spann Wellness Center Manager

We’ve all heard again and again that physical activity is important, but why is it important and how can we increase our daily activity levels?

Nowadays, the average American spends almost eight hours a day being sedentary. The Sedentary Behavior Research Network defines a sedentary lifestyle as “any waking behavior characterized by an
energy expenditure less than or equal to 1.5 metabolic equivalents.” Living a sedentary life can lead to many health complications, such as increased risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases,
increased risk of cancer, obesity, increased depression, decreased cognitive functionality, and increased mortality.

With television and internet entertainment, as well as desk jobs, leading to people sitting more, it’s extremely important to be intentional about your activity levels and getting the proper amount each day. The CDC currently recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week, which is about two-and-a-half hours. They also recommend having two days dedicated to muscle strengthening-specific activity a week.

Adding and increasing your physical activity levels per week sounds daunting but there are so many ways to do so, and for it to be fun!

Here are some changes you can make in your life to improve your physical, mental, and emotional health:
– Take frequent breaks to get up and walk around.
– Park further away when going shopping.
– Go on a daily walk in the evening with your family, friends, or dog.
– If the weather is cold, head inside to your fitness center of choice and hop on a treadmill, elliptical, bike, or seated cardio machine.
– Swim laps in a pool.
– Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
– Seek out a fitness class or online fitness videos.

Make it a fun challenge this month! Track how many steps you take, how many miles you walk (or move on a cardio machine), or how any laps you swim each day. At the end of the month, you will be able to see your progress! See if you can increase your numbers each week, and feel the difference in how your mind, body, and spirit feel after increasing your physical activity levels this month!