Achieving Longevity

I don't want to put words in your mouth, but I'm pretty sure we can both say that we want to live as long as possible. Not just living a long time, but living with quality for a long time. The word "Longevity," gets thrown around a lot, but I think it fits the bill here.

How do we create long lives with quality? How do we achieve this longevity?

A new study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, the American College of Sports Medicine's own journal, used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to find out exactly what was the best longevity marker. The study looked at a number of markers, including: diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking vs nonsmoking, amount of physical activity, having cancer and how old you are, among others.

Lo and behold, the best predictor for living a long and healthy life was…drum roll here… the amount of daily physical activity you do (funny how this is something we'd write a blog about, huh?).

The study showed, quite literally, that Longevity Is Powered By Movement. Even more than having diabetes, or cancer or being a smoker, simply getting up and moving your body is linked to living a longer, healthier life.

"Well, Robert, that's all fine and dandy, but what are some ways I can get more movement into my day to day life?"
"Great question! It's almost as if I wanted you to ask that!"

First, it's quite easy to get more movement in:

• You can walk places (or bike) instead of driving. Easy, quick, daily shops (if you live in the city itself) are a great way to get your step count up.
• Park farther away from the entrance to your office or grocery store if you have to drive.
• Using a standing desk instead of sitting in a chair all day works wonders. "But I'm not moving, I'm standing…" Fair - and try not to interrupt so much - but even simply using your muscles to hold yourself up is more strenuous than letting a chair do the work. You'll be more inclined to shuffle around and stretch. Every little bit counts.
• Try to get quick 10 minute walks in throughout the day.
• Jump into an extra class here at PXM to get your weekly average of activity up!
• Pace during calls.
• Or better yet, make that meeting a walking meeting. Imagine how much of a power move it would be that you're so in shape you make others exercise too!

These are just a small handful of the ways you can add minutes of movement to your day - which will only lead to quality minutes to your life! Remember, Longevity: Powered By Movement!

Want a structured way to build more movement into your week? Book a free consultation and we'll help you get started.