October is here! It is the time when the weather starts to get chilly and we begin to spend more time indoors. It can be hard to remain active during the cold months, but it is very important to find ways to keep moving. October is also National Chiropractic Health month. At Venture we encourage you to find ways to remain active and will help you do so pain-free.
Why Is Moving Important?
We eat to fuel our body and we move to use that fuel. Movement is important because our body reacts to periods of inactivity by using less sugar from our bloodstream, causing a blood sugar spike. We continue to eat, and sugar levels spike without being regulated. Sugar or glucose is the energy our body uses to fuel our brain, process information, and help us move. Blood sugar spikes are linked to Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and an increase chance of strokes. Staying active is a healthy way to control our blood sugar, but it may not be the only solution. Better eating habits can also help with proper glucose balance.
How do I get moving?
Motivation is often the key. There is no silver bullet to motivate one to start taking action. This must begin with you. We cannot want you to be healthier than you want to be healthy. Typically, there must be enough dis-ease or dissatisfaction with your current situation that you yearn for change. We all must contend with busy schedules, own our excuses for not exercising such as physical constraints, money, work or time. One thing that is a guarantee is that moving around will make you FEEL BETTER! It may not always be easy, and often starting is the hardest part. The team at Venture Chiropractic and Venture Fitness can help you get started and keep you accountable. We want you to feel your best!
The goal of feeling better and living healthier should be motivation enough. But, if the thought of feeling better doesn’t get you motivated to move more, know that an active lifestyle will also help you to look better.
Start small and win BIG!
You don’t need to train for a marathon, be a gym rat, or become a competitive athlete to feel and look good. Everyone starts at different places in their journey toward self-improvement. Some of us may even have physical constraints such as a shoulder injury or a bad back that prevents us from doing certain activities. The key is to not STOP moving, but instead find ways to MOVE that complement where you are starting.
Where do I start?
- Walking – Walking is low impact, requires no equipment, and can be done anywhere. Some ways to implement walking are to always choose to take the stairs, park further away from the front door of your office and dedicate your lunch break to walking around the office or outside. Walking can improve productivity, improve circulation, reduce muscle tension and increase energy.
- Standing – Did you know you can burn calories by standing? Take breaks throughout the day to stand up out of your chair. Perform some stationary squats sitting back into your chair or holding onto the desk. If you have the ability to use an adjustable standing desk they are a great option. Other options to introduce standing into your day may be walking in place while on a conference call, watching TV, scrolling on your phone, or standing at the counter making meals.
- Stretching – Daily stretching can make everyday movements easier to perform and loosen up tight muscles that have been in a stationary position for too long. Stretching can improve range or motion and improve your flexibility. Poor posture is one of the primary causes of back pain that can be improved with proper stretching. Check out some of our favorite YouTube videos that provide tips for stretching.
If you find you aren’t sure what to do, have pain with movements, or want someone to help you move better, Jason at our sister business, Venture Fitness, is always happy to help. The beauty of this option is all you need to do is make a commitment to yourself and show up. Jason will take care of the rest. We have some great Transformation Challenges coming up in the next months that will provide you the tools to move and feel better!
Fall is one of my favorite months, but it also followed by a period of winter hibernation. We don’t want the cold months to sideline us and hold us captive. Make time to get out of the house, get moving, and you will reap the benefits. You are nothing without your health and there is no better time than now to start. Celebrate National Chiropractic month with us by moving more and encouraging others to do the same. We are here for you at Venture to help you move better, feel better and be a better you.
–Melanie Dockter DC CACCP
