Replacing exercise with movement

Although we know we need to do it to keep our bodies healthy and mobile, exercise can sometimes feel like just another job on an ever growing ‘to do list’.  For some people it goes further and feels like something they can’t enjoy because they don’t feel good at it or feel that it has to be done to create change in the body creating a resistant outlook.   

A good starting point is to try and reframe the negative thinking about exercise and set aside any of the ‘should’ statements you tell yourself about it.  Replacing exercise with the concept of movement might help.  

Just as there so many varieties of fruit and vegetables that we are bound to find at least one that we like, there are also loads of activities that get the body moving and aren’t typically considered ‘exercise’ in the sense we usually think of it. So the likelihood is you will find a form of movement that is benefitting your body and that you genuinely like or don’t even notice as being ‘exercise’.  You may already be doing a range of things every week that are working your body without you even realising you’re getting a workout.  

Known as NEAT activities ( Non-exercise Activity Thermogenesis) these are essentially the things we do in daily life that burn calories but aren’t planned exercise.  Sadly sleeping, eating and breathing don’t count but physical activities like cooking, cleaning, gardening, washing the car, dancing or playing a musical instrument are good examples.  NEAT is a way for our bodies to manage weight and lessen our risks of cardiovascular and other illnesses.  It is also a useful way of reshaping your thinking from exercise to movement, bearing in mind that actually the small things you do to keep your body moving as opposed to sedentary are making a difference to your overall health.  This is a good reason to get off the sofa, not to mention the mental health benefits that are linked to movement in the body.   

Changing your physiology from stillness to motion can greatly aid the creative thinking process and help to embody a sense of positivity.  Plus if you are someone who already exercises NEAT still has many benefits helping you to minimise periods of inactivity and reap more rewards from your periods of intentional exercise.  

Try to shift your thinking and notice NEAT in action in your daily life.  This may help to shift your feelings about disliking exercise as you understand how you are moving your body and burning calories without even thinking about it.  

This may also encourage you to consciously move and use your body more, walks, bike rides, dancing, hoovering, a few stretches while you wait for the kettle to boil.  I often catch myself feeling grateful for the fact that I have a healthy, mobile, functioning body so if you are in that position or you’re working towards it never underestimate how small changes to daily activity can have huge beneficial impact to overall wellbeing.   

If you would like to discuss a tailor made plan for your wellness and how to maximise NEAT activities contact me at info@vitaflow.co.uk