Get up and move, but please do not over do it!

Stay off your feet for a few days- is that really sound medical advice? Under normal circumstances we wouldn't think so but a very sore foot has made walking painful. Hence, chair rest. 

But, as I teach exercise to the older person  I can still remain active - can't I? 

Medical science tells us to get up and move, that 'people who were physically inactive and sat for more than eight hours a day, had a 107 percent higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. This is compared to those who did at least one hour of physical activity per day and sat for less than four hours per day.'

The trouble is, when you start measuring your active time vs sitting you can be made to feel guilty for sitting watching a TV programme so you find yourself pacing the room, marching on the spot and running unnecessarily up and down the stairs. 

The NHS says that 'To reduce our risk of ill health from inactivity, we are advised to exercise regularly – at least 150 minutes a week – and reduce sitting time.'  and the original EXTEND Anatomy, Physiology and Kinesiology Book explains that moving is essential for the  proper functioning of the internal organs. 

While we all want to live  longer, healthier lives we mustn't injure ourselves in the process, so walking miles upon miles, doing extra sessions at the gym may not be the answer. These extra minutes can be found pottering about in the garden, doing the housework or going shopping, simple everyday opportunities to get up and get moving. 

For the historians, the motto of the Women's League of Health and Beauty, from which EXTEND grew was  ‘Movement is Life’. We seem to have come full circle!