Movement · Go further · 02
Movement: Building Good Movement Habits
A lot of your daily movement comes from small things you do without thinking. Getting up from your desk, walking to the car, carrying the shopping in.
Small movements add up
The shift is in how you see them. Once you know a few minutes of movement makes a difference, you start spotting chances to move all through your day.
Notice how much you move
At a desk job, it's easy to go hours without standing up and not realise it. Compare your step count on a work day with a day off. The gap surprises most people.
Breaking up long stretches of sitting is good for your health, even with light movement.
Short bursts work
Health guidelines used to count movement only in blocks of 10 minutes or more. The World Health Organization dropped that rule in 2020. A quick walk to the shops, or a game with the kids in the backyard, are easy and really do have a benefit.
Little changes that add up
- Take the stairs twice a day.
- Park an extra 100 metres from the shop. It's also much less stressful than hunting for a close spot.
- Stroll around the office for 5 minutes between meetings.
- Get off the bus one stop early.
Find one or two times in a normal day where you could fit in some extra movement. Start there.
General information, not medical advice. If you've an existing condition or you're unsure about starting something new, speak to a qualified professional first.
Movement · 02