The previous three weeks, we have looked at keys 1-3 on the key chain of fitness. In today’s post, we will unlock the fourth key.
But first, a quick recap of the previous three in case you missed it.
Key 1 Sleep
Challenge: go to bed at a consistent time and wake at a consistent time.
Key 2 Hydration
Challenge: Have one to two glasses of water at each meal
Key 3 Nutrition
Challenge: track your food for one week to bring awareness to what you are eating.
The final key is activity. When we think of living a fit and healthy life, the first key we grab is getting out or going into a gym to become more active. That is precisely why I placed it last in my keys to fitness, not because it is not essential, because it is often the only part of fitness we look to improve.
Our ability to stay strong and mobile depends on staying active.
What Does Active Look Like?
Being active in its simplest of forms looks like someone frequently moving throughout the day performing a variety of movements at a variety of intensities. For example, requiring joints to move through their full range of motions, muscle to contract and relax, and having one’s cardiovascular system challenged in a variety of ways as well.
Unfortunately, our lives do not always have this level of movement variety. In modern society, we have to exercise and move to get the array of movements our bodies need to stay healthy and active for the long haul.
It should be our goal to intentionally elevate our heart rate for a period of time, 10-20 plus minutes each day. This can be in a walk or doing activities around the house.
We should also strive to work out two to three times a week to maintain range of motion and strength. At least one of the workouts should leave you feeling like you worked at an 8 out of 10 for effort.
The Challenge
Add one more day of activity to your week. This can be as small as going for a 10 minutes walk or as big as adding one more workout.
Your Fitness Sherpa,
