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Anyone who is motivated to regularly go to the gym has my respect. However, I am not one of those people!
Throughout my life I never looked forward going to the gym, and always tried to find a reason not to go. But if you buddy up, or enjoy your class I get it.
What if I told you there's a better way to stay active—one that doesn't involve expensive memberships, crowded weight rooms, or monotonous treadmill sessions? Welcome to the world of unconscious exercise.
Unconscious physical activity challenges everything we thought we knew about staying fit. It's about finding creative ways to incorporate movement into your daily life without even realising it.
Unconscious physical activity IS accessible to everyone, everywhere
Why choose unconscious physical activity over the traditional gym grind? Here are a few controversial reasons why I believe it's the better choice:
1. Sustainability Over Burnout: Let's face it—how many times have we committed to a gym routine only to burn out or get demotivated after a few weeks? Unconscious physical activity offers a more sustainable approach to fitness by seamlessly integrating movement into our daily lives. Instead of forcing ourselves to hit the gym, we can stay active effortlessly, without the risk of burnout.
2. Freedom Over Restriction: The gym can feel limiting, with its rigid schedules, crowded spaces, and limited equipment options. Unconscious physical activity, on the other hand, offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility. Whether you're dancing in your living room or gardening in the backyard, there are no rules or restrictions—just movement in its purest form. From taking the stairs instead of the lift to playing with your children at the park.
3. Mind-Body Connection Over Mindless Reps: In the gym, it's easy to get caught up in the numbers—reps, sets, weights. But what about the mind-body connection? Unconscious physical activity prioritises holistic well-being by encouraging us to tune into our bodies and move in ways that feel good. It's not about hitting a certain number of reps; it's about listening to our bodies and honouring the body’s needs. Should you be hurting after a work out? Do what you enjoy.
4. Cost-Effectiveness Over Expensive Memberships: Let's be honest—the cost of a gym membership can add up quickly. From monthly fees to pricey personal training sessions, staying fit can put a strain on our wallets. Unconscious physical activity, on the other hand, is completely free. Whether you're walking in the park or stretching at home, there's no need to break the bank to stay active.
5. Community Over Isolation: While the gym can be a great place to meet like-minded individuals, it can also feel isolating and intimidating, especially for beginners. Unconscious physical activity, on the other hand, fosters a sense of community and connection. Whether you're dancing with friends or playing sports with your family, staying active becomes a shared experience—one that brings us closer together. Walk with Friends and enjoy nature,
What is my unconscious activity routine?
- I walk whenever and wherever I can ---
- Whenever I walk, I make sure I carry my back pack and have gradually increased the weight contained in it. I combine cardiovascular and resistance training whilst listening to my favourite podcasts!
- Every morning whilst waiting for my coffee, I do a quick 10 min physical activity routine (press ups, squats, high knees) x 3. I don’t dread it as its not intense and part of my normal routine.
- Every weekend my family and me go for a long walk in our local park
- I ensure I do more housework, gardening and other household chores and use it as excuse for being active!
- I love tennis, and try to play this as often as I can
Walking is a great start as most people can incorporate walking into their day. Start by taking the stairs at work, walking your children to/ from school. Walk to the shops etc.
Talk to me and I bet that I can find a way you CAN start walking more on a day. Once you have established a ‘walking window’ in your daily routine, start challenging yourself, walk with weights, increase your pace or increase the distance you walk. Motivate yourself - listen to your favourite podcast, audio book or music when you walk.
Key takeaways
- Ensure to keep in mind that we are awake roughly 15 hours a day, and we need to be consistently moving throughout the day. The one-hour gym session solely is not enough. Sedentary behaviour needs to be minimised as much as possible.
- Consistent unconscious activity is possible if it is
o Incorporated as part of daily routine
o Enjoyable
o Used to achieve an outcome (e.g. training for a marathon, getting beach ready etc)
o You have a physical activity buddy (I was less likely to skip a physical activity if I knew I would let my buddy down)
What is your daily routine? What small change can YOU make to your day to keep you moving? Talk to me to find a safe and effective way to introduce a small sustainable change which can make a difference to your long-term health.
DrLifeMedicine
