Spending time with children is exhausting yet insightful. Have you ever watched kids and asked yourself, "how do they have the energy to do that?" as they run in circles endlessly. It only makes me think, if kids can stay moving much of the day, we as adults can too.
For those who can stay young at heart forever and embody this movement-centric lifestyle, I applaud you. However, the reality of adulthood and life challenges our natural affiliation towards staying active.
I will help you overcome the obstacles slowing you down by sharing the top fitness equipment to fix your sedentary lifestyle.
Why a Sedentary Lifestyle is Dangerous
Sitting and a sedentary lifestyle has been called the new smoking, in reference to the harmful, deadly effects they have on the body. Lack of movement, also known as a sedentary lifestyle, contributes to weight gain and metabolic syndrome.
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of unhealthy conditions that increase a person's risk of heart attack, stroke, and type II diabetes. Like smoking, this harmful progression happens over years and years of repeated behavior. However, unlike smoking, humans are starting to sit for 8+hrs a day as kids.
Simply put, we need to get moving; our lives depend on it! When it comes to fitness and working out, find what you like and what makes you happy. There is no "best" workout or perfect equipment. The best fitness equipment is the one you look forward to using and feel good during and after use.
1. Full-Motion Elliptical
A full-motion elliptical is one of the most overlooked pieces of fitness equipment. It is unfairly viewed and looked down upon by other communities as an easy cardio option. In combination with the foot pedal, the full-motion arms turn this piece of equipment into a full-body workout.
Full-body cardio equipment increases the bang for your buck as you can work hard in a short amount of time. In addition, ellipticals are straightforward and relatively easy to use, making them ideal for someone looking to quick start their cardio routine and get moving.
Start adding in elliptical workouts during a time that is convenient for you and start with small periods of time. An elliptical is about getting moving and raising your heart rate. Simply hop on, and see where you go.
2. Incline Walking Treadmill
One of the best ways to get moving is to increase your steps. A great goal to strive for is 10,000 steps a day. 10,000 steps a day equates to roughly five miles per day and anywhere from 2,000 to 3,500 additional calories expended per week.
Now, this is a lofty goal and may be unrealistic at first. However, the best way to increase your steps is to get moving! Try to increase your steps by 10% each week until you are at a place you are happy with.
An incline treadmill for walking is a fantastic way to fix your sedentary lifestyle. If we can walk, let's use our natural ability to move our legs and celebrate movement. An increase in steps per day may show an improvement in many health markers associated with metabolic syndrome.
A treadmill in your home doesn't have to be boring. Position it in front of an entertainment source like your window, a television, or even your workstation.
3. Full-Motion Air Bike
Indoor cycle bikes are all the rage right now, and rightfully so. We love cycle bikes here at Sunny but let me introduce you to an upright air bike. Fan bikes have a special place in the fitness community due to their full-motion handlebars and wind-catching flywheel.
The resistance is dynamic and progressive with the rider's cadence, so there is no resistance knob. To feel and ride against more resistance, pedal faster.
This bike is ideal for someone looking to get moving because it provides a full-body training effect. Like the elliptical, the handlebars, in addition to the pedals, offer a big bang for your buck. Why spend 10 minutes on a regular cycle bike when a similar training effect is achieved in less time on an air bike?
Pedal and move your arms at any comfortable pace to increase your daily active calories and leave the sedentary lifestyle behind.
One of the best ways to fix a sedentary lifestyle is to increase daily movement. But, again, there is no best workout or way to exercise. The best training or equipment is the one you will use on a regular schedule.
A full-motion elliptical, upright fan bike, and incline treadmill are my three favorite cardio equipment to get moving. Give them a try to overcome your sedentary lifestyle today.
