Beyond the Gym: Why Your Whole Day Matters for Your Health
Wellness Discovery Labs
Simplifying the Science of Good Health Through Research, Speaking, and Writing
Recent science shows that your whole day matters when it comes to moving. That’s right - all 24 hours. Not just the time you spend at the gym.
The four “S’s” of daily movement – Standing, Stepping, Sweating, and Sleeping are the foundation for a healthy lifestyle. Most of us know that exercising is important for our health.
But exercise is only one type of movement that we do or don’t do. All movements within a 24 hour period matter for our health – vigorous, moderate, and light physical activity, standing, and sleeping.
We need to limit our sitting time, stand more, exercise, and get adequate amounts of sleep. That’s right, all movements count – even light physical activity such as standing and activities of daily living have a positive effect on our health. Activities of daily living include bathing, household chores, and getting dressed.
A key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is finding the right balance of standing, stepping, sweating, and sleeping. In other words, how much time you spend in any one of these movements will impact the amount of time spent in another.?