Meet Some of the Foot Soldiers in the Movement Movement
When you decide to get moving, you also set in motion a cascade of positive changes. We know, because it happened to us. Meet the founding members of Quitting the Sitting.
Rita |
Nebraska |
Why I'm Active: "Sitting is the new smoking" made me realize that I needed to get moving and soon! I'm not getting any younger and am a very independent person, so I need to make sure I can maintain that independence as long as possible. Besides, I like a challenge, so I challenged myself to walking 5000 steps daily compared to my measly average of 3500 to 4000. Once I started keeping track on my Fitbit, I couldn't allow myself to fail, regardless of how much I really wanted to go to bed. Many times I forced myself to walk back and forth, back and forth until the buzzer on my Fitbit starting going crazy. Only then would I know that I had succeeded another day.
Favorite Activities: I started my challenge during the very cold month of November. I wasn't about to go out in that cold and snow, so I started walking from one end of my house to the other. Boring! So I decided to watch Craftsy tutorials on my iPad while I walked in the evenings. There are lots of things to choose from so I started with quilting tutorials. However, I was finding that when it was bedtime, I still had lots of pacing to do. So then I decided to walk during commercials during a daytime TV show. Eventually I realized that I can walk and do things on the iPad that I used to do sitting in my chair, so I now do a lot of pacing in my house with my iPad. I also enjoy walking outside when the weather permits.
How My Life is Better: I think the best thing being active has done for me is that it's led to even more activity! Exercise elevates my mood and I know it's making me a healthier person. But my greatest accomplishment has been knowing that I have kept a commitment to myself for over 60 days. Lots of other people average many more steps than I do. But I don't compare myself to them because we all face different challenges and obstacles. I have to compare myself to myself and ask, "Am I sitting still?" or "Am I moving forward?"
Denise |
New Hampshire |
Why I'm Active: "Being Sedentary is the Shortcut to the Cemetery" sums it up for me. I've seen firsthand what being sedentary does to people and it's not for me. I really like my independence. Staying active (even just standing more) burns a lot more calories than sitting in a chair and that makes managing my weight much easier. But mostly, I choose to be active because of my daughter, my only child. How is it fair to ask her to take care of me when I'm old because I failed to take care of myself?
Favorite Activities: I've moved my laptop to my kitchen island and do my morning emails and web surfing there. At work I make a point to stand up and stretch or walk around a bit every 15 minutes or so and I go out for a walk at lunch. I unwind after work by watching some favorite TV shows on my iPad while walking slowly on my treadmill. I don't miss the commercials.
How My Life is Better: Because standing at my kitchen island is less comfortable than my favorite chair, I'm more efficient with my time. I have more time now to do other things. Sitting sucks up a lot of time. I also feel more energetic...a lot more energetic! And I don't have any of the aches and pains typically associated with middle age...another benefit of staying active.
Desiree |
Champlin, Minnesota |
Why I'm Active: I am active because it makes me feel good! I like witnessing the positive effects exercise has on my body. I love being able to keep up with my children and not being limited by any physical activity.
Favorite Activities: My favorite activity is walking. It's free and I can do it just about anywhere. I occasionally run and I do love cardio DVDs like T25.
How My Life is Better: By being active, I've taken responsibility for my health & wellness. I've added years to my life and I get to be an example to my children. It's a great feeling!
Cheryl |
Sharpsburg, Kentucky |
Why I'm Active: I was sedentary and overweight from early childhood, struggling with major body issues and low self esteem. In my mid 40s, I didn't have an Ah-Ha moment, but rather a gradual awakening. I realized I was going to become helpless. I also realized I didn't have to let that happen. I started with the Leslie Sansone walking videos and have progressed from there. A whole new, different and exciting world has opened up to me. I even joined a gym five years ago and love it. That is beyond major for someone who grew up believing the gym is just a place to be humiliated.
Favorite Activities: I do a variety of things but my two favorites are walking and yoga. I participate in area 5ks with my daughter and cousin and once with my husband. I tried running briefly but an arthritic knee from an old ice storm injury made that a bad idea. I get a minimum of 10,000 steps a day and more if time allows. Yoga is my newest passion. I look forward to it every day and sometimes do it twice a day.
How My Life is Better: Physically, I am stronger, straighter and more flexible. I play with my grandchildren, take the stairs, climb the hills. I don't ache all over like a once did. It doesn't take me 15 minutes every morning just to be able to move well. I can hit the ground running. Emotionally, I have so much more confidence and peace of mind. I don't have the perfect body and never will but I'm light years from where I was. I have a better outlet for the stress in my life through movement and yoga. If I have a regret, it is that I didn't figure all this out in my 20s, but I'm here now and I am embracing it.
Sarah |
Olton Ward, England |
Why I'm Active: It all started about 4 years ago. I ran to the letterbox to post a letter, and I coughed and moaned like an old woman. My heart was beating fit to burst! So I decided I had to take a bit of control and get a bit fitter. I was also worried by my expanding waistband so the planets aligned themselves to make me change my lifestyle.
Favorite Activities: I take a walk with a friend at lunchtime, I dance with the children at school every day. I take a long walk to get the papers on Sunday, I park at the edge of the supermarket car park. I try to use local transport and not rely on my car (that one saves money too). And I love my Fitbit and My Fitness Pal as ways to keep me accountable and get support from likeminded folk.
How My Life is Better: Well I can run to the postbox without thinking my heart is going to burst. I've dropped 3 dress sizes and have enough energy to fill my days with fun, laughter and friends. I no longer slump on the sofa watching TV, that's just too boring for the revived me.
Michelle |
Missouri |
Why I'm Active: I am not in the best shape and have some health issues. Starting with just moving more not only helps me feel better, but also see how every little bit adds up.
Favorite Activities: Getting up from my desk at work and walking to a farther away bathroom, or just down a long hallway, jumping on my mini trampoline for a few minutes, walking on my treadmill even just a few minutes (usually do more, just getting started is the hard part), parking farther away while shopping, take my dog in the yard for a few minutes.
How My Life is Better: I feel less tired (don't know why this is, it still surprises me), clears my head, feel more positive, feel less stiff, realize that my journey isn't all or nothing, as they say it starts with a single step and those steps really do add up!
Chris |
Mobile, Alabama |
Why I'm Active: I'm staying active for health benefits. It doesn't have to be difficult, all you have to do is get up and get moving. I grew up in a sedentary household and see the devastating effects on my 87 year old mother. Sometimes she wishes out loud that she could walk from her chair to the front door without getting tired. That's not going to be me, NO WAY. And I have a plan. When I can no longer spin, I will walk. If I can no longer walk, I will swim. Hubby and I are renovating our backyard to include a ramp that leads to the pool. We're getting ready!
Favorite Activities: When grocery shopping I walk down every single aisle even if I am only purchasing one item. I purposely park farther away from whatever business/store/gym I am visiting to get extra steps in. I rarely take the elevator but choose to take the stairs. I walk from terminal to terminal rather than take the train at airports. While watching TV I will run up and down the stairs during commercial breaks at least every hour. In the morning I place my computer on the kitchen counter and check out MFP/news/weather standing up. I walk laps around my first floor when I am on the telephone.
How My Life is Better: Being active helps energize my body with minimal effort. In plain English, it feels good. And that leads to even less sitting and more movement!
Diana |
Orlando, Florida |
Why I'm Active: Being an active person has transformed my well being physically and mentally. The progressively deteriorating health I had going on for years has reversed. I like feeling good and being healthy!
Favorite Activities: As a person who loves variety, I find many ways to sit less. Favorites are Jazzercise three times per week, walking my dog daily, gardening, interval walks and lots of home projects. My husband and I also seek out active types of vacations.
How My Life is Better: The version of me from years ago looked for ways to avoid activity, sweating and exercising. I much preferred relaxing and sitting. Since my mind shift and change in lifestyle, I seek ways to be moving and active. Consequently, I can keep off the 5 sizes and 65 lbs. I lost. When you feel good, you want to keep moving!
Kris |
Philomath, Oregon |
Why I'm Active: I have to Get Off My Royal Arse (GOMRA)! My nickname is “Contessa” because I’m special and my friend says I am a royal pain! I thought I was moving a lot doing my royal chores and job but my Fitbit told a different story. The life of a Contessa was spent sitting in court far too much and I have seen what it can do.
Favorite Activities: I have a track through the castle when it is too cold to get outside. I just hope I don’t wear out the carpet. I GOMRA when I am brushing my royal teeth, better than just standing in front of the sink while my royal toothbrush sings! My princess Corgi likes to chase a ball, so after I throw it I GOMRA by walking around while she runs after it. All of this is helping to make my Fitbit numbers befitting of my royal status.
How My Life is Better: I can now walk around my kingdom without getting all sweaty and out of breath which would be SO un-royal like. I have more energy to make sure the commoners aren’t slacking off and I can now easily outrun the Count who keeps trying to steal a kiss.
Jennifer |
Franklin, Kentucky |
Why I'm Active: To keep Sassy, Fit and Healthy with Vibrant Energy. I don't want to be an old lady - I want to be the woman that folks say WHOA! You don't look or act your age and I want to be independent all the way to the grave.
Favorite Activities: I exercise three times a week, but being active is much more than that. I have a job that keeps me at a computer. I get up and move at least every hour to walk a flight of stairs a couple times; or do a pacing circuit across a room back & forth pumping my arms. Small space, 10 circuits, less than 5 minutes. Walking up/down my driveway a couple times is another way to move A FAVE way is to put on some music and dance .. or strut walk to Aerosmith - Walk this Way!
How My Life is Better: It is my secret weapon. Increasing every day activity and challenging myself to find ways to move more and sit less is not only helping me maintain my weight, but it is adding to my Sass. More vibrant energy = more Sass!
Ida |
Stafford, England |
Why I'm Active: I have had a weight problem for a few years. My mum was always on to me to lose weight. She was always active and remained independent until her 85th year. Like her, independence is important to me. According to my Fitbit, I usually average 14,000 steps per day. I love that uplifting feeling you get after exercise.
Favorite Activities: I started by purchasing a Fitbit and at work instead of sending emails I would visit my colleagues. I took a walk in the local arboretum. Since retirement I walk locally through two pretty villages. Instead of taking the car I'll walk the three miles to my local town in Stafford. I regularly meet with friends to walk further afield and call at a nearby hostelry for lunch and a beer. If the weather is really bad my steps take the form of dance which is equally uplifting.
How My Life is Better: Along with changes to my diet walking is helping to ensure my weight is going down rather than up. Following a number of fractures in my 20's and 30's I can experience pain in my back, hip, knee and so forth some of which can be debilitating. These muscular-skeletal problems have noticeably improved as a result of walking. During 3 weeks of January 2015 I took considerably fewer steps as a result of having major work done in the house. I soon experienced back and hip pain. This has reinforced the importance of walking for me! I hope you too soon discover the benefits of movement.
Andrea |
Northern England |
Why I'm Active: It's pretty easy to fit in more activity into ordinary everyday life, whether I am at work or in my home. Though I like the idea of classes/gym/running/swimming etc.. life (and motivation issues) often stops me. I can, however, slot in more activity into my normal days. Bit by bit I am building it up and it has soon become a habit without feeling like I have had to make a special effort.
Favorite Activities: At work I now walk to other rooms/floors to speak to colleagues instead of emailing or phoning. I have also increased lunch time walking, roping in other colleagues too which, besides the health benefits, also helps reduce stress and clear my mind. At home I still have a way to go, but I now go out with my husband most days to walk the dogs no matter what the weather.
How My Life is Better: I am definitely getting more exercise this way and getting out of the office most days at lunch time is helping my sanity levels too! At home walking the dogs (think big dogs) may not be reducing my weight but it is establishing a regular pattern, is good for the dogs and also time with just me and the husband and nothing else to focus on so benefits all round. I am building foundations for the rest of my life.
Suzanne |
Quebec, Canada |
Why I'm Active: I'm active because it makes me happy! I've never felt better in my life. I am now the type of woman I wished I would be. Together with a sensible diet, moving more has helped me to lose 195 pounds in just 2 years and to maintain my weight for almost a year now. That said, it has never been my goal to become an athlete. All I ever wanted was to be healthy and empowered. I am a new woman in body and mind!
Favorite Activities: I particularly enjoy doing useful and active chores such as working out in the garden. For me, all activities must be fun and painless. If it hurts, I stop doing it at once, and try again later. To prevent boredom, I try out new things like tennis table, Nordic walking, or just plain standing while working at my laptop that I mounted on a higher shelf. Next, I plan on doing yoga and maybe zumba! And one day, when we retire, I am dreaming of climbing hills with my dear hubby.
How My Life is Better: I used to think that I was a living bomb that was expected to blow up anytime. As a result of being more active and my weightloss, I don't need medication for my blood pressure anymore and my life expectancy has tremendously increased. Last fall, I was able to participate in my children's annual school marathon. My kids were very proud of their mother as I ran with them and I am so happy I did it before they finished high school! I was also thrilled to be able to skate with them on Christmas eve. I no longer watch my family and my life from the side of the rink. I am active and alive!
Reba |
Green Bay, Wisconsin |
Why I'm Active: Because it makes me feel great! I feel so much better when I move which is very important to me as I age. Like a lot of people, I have a desk job. Which means I am spending 7-9 hours a day sitting at a desk. Making a conscious effort to move more throughout the day has improved my overall feeling of well being. The bonus is that I do not feel as stiff and sore due to sitting for long periods on my arse.
Favorite Activities: I love most activities that allow me to be outdoors. One of my favorite winter activities is simply putting some sand bags or jugs filled with water in a backpack and walking through the snow, talk about a workout that costs me nothing to do. During the summer months I walk on my lunch break outside, I park at the end of the parking lot, I create mini boot camps in my driveway with items I have around my house. It is so simple and gives me a sense of accomplishment.
How My Life is Better: Sitting less has helped me maintain my current weight and given me so much more energy than I would have if I was sitting around all the time. It has also allowed me to maintain my active lifestyle and keep up with my grandkidos!
Sheila |
Falmouth, Massachusetts |
Why I'm Active: As a nurse, I've seen so many people dependent on others, looking so much older than they were. I want to be in control of my health and independent as long as I absolutely can. I want people to be shocked when they find out my age. I want to be able to play with my Grandchildren. There's too much life left to live! I'm not going to waste it sitting on my sofa.
Favorite Activities: I love to dance -- Zumba especially, but I also like to crank up my iPod and dance around the house! A weighted hula hoop is a fun and effective workout. I have a Fitbit and usually hit my daily goal of 10,000 steps. I love to walk outside, or do Walking DVDs inside. Sometimes I jog in place while I'm cooking or watching TV to get those last steps in. Challenging my friends is so much fun and so motivating. When I had to wear a full leg cast for 6 months, I still did the walking videos in a chair.
How My Life is Better: My ankles aren't swollen anymore! I have cut back on some of my medications. I have so much more energy. My flexibilty and balance are so much better. I have lost 40 pounds over the past 4 years. I'm always thinking of new ways to move--- getting up off the sofa during commercials, walking through the house, going up and down the stairs a couple times--- the possibilities are endless. It's a game and I'm winning!
Beth |
Chicago, Illinois |
Why I'm Active: It's part of a healthy lifestyle, it's so easy to do, and the benefits are bountiful! Studies have shown that one of the things people who live long have in common is ACTIVITY! Activity does not have to be a strenuous exercise program. It's just a conscious effort to sit less/ move more!! Your body and mind will love you for it!
Favorite Activities: My absolute favorite way to move is taking a nice long nature walk. But since it's about getting activity in throughout the day - here are some of the other ways I get my MOVE on. Take the stairs, get up every hour and take a few laps around the office, lunch hour walks, take a walk in my backyard, and last but not least, spontaneous dance party....it's not pretty but it's fun!
How My Life is Better: I know I'm doing something good for my mind and body and that knowledge makes me feel empowered, energized and balanced.
Janet |
Riverside, California |
Why I'm Active: I sit less to stay healthy, strong and stay self sufficient as I get older. Like many women my age I took care of my mother for several years and saw the effects of what happens when you don't take care of yourself. I do not want to do that to my daughter. I want to be able to walk up flights of stairs without having to stop and take a breath. I want to be able to keep up with my grandchildren. I want to take fabulous vacations where I can walk and enjoy the sites instead of taking tour buses.
Favorite Activities: I go to Jazzercise 3-4 days a week, I lift weights a couple days a week and when time permits I go to yoga a couple times a month. I purchased a Fitbit 3 years ago and that little device has motivated me more than I can tell you. I live in a 2 story house so I will find ways to purposely climbs the stairs. When I do laundry I take one load at a time downstairs rather than take the entire laundry basket. Sometimes it's just a matter of standing and reading something vs sitting...even if it's just a few minutes.
How My Life is Better: I wake up feeling good about myself. I'm not as anxious going to the doctor because I know I've taken care of myself. I have been able to maintain good blood pressure. I have found that as my muscles get stronger my knees have less pain. I love that I look forward to exercise everyday. My father always said "Give me my health and I'll get the rest" I care enough about myself and my family to stay healthy and keep moving. Best of all, I like it when I can climb into the back seat of a vehicle and people tell me how flexible I am!!
Kay |
Greenville, South Carolina |
Why I'm Active: In 2009 my appendix burst and I nearly died. At the time I weighed 203 lbs at 5'4". After 3 weeks in the hospital I realized how much I wanted to live, not just exist and it was time to take control of my health. Both of my parents had heart disease and I didn't want to exist with a heart condition limiting what I could do. My ultimate goal is to be able to dance at my granddaughters weddings and they are only 7 and 10 so I have a long time to go.
Favorite Activities: Walking. I started slowly, walking around the block twice a day, then purchased a cheap pedometer and set goals, small ones to start. 5000 a week, until I was averaging 10,000 a day. I looked for ways to increase my steps while cleaning. My favorite is laundry day when I make a point of walking each piece of folded laundry, put it away, instead of taking 7 t-shirts, I made 7 trips to the t-shirt drawer. Amazing how the steps add up. No gym needed.
How My Life is Better: The more I walked the better I felt. In a few months I had lost some weight, but more than that my clothes fit better and I could walk further without my knees hurting and being out of breath. That's when I started adding more exercise, joined a gym and did low impact exercise like strength training and yoga. I have so much more energy and mentally feel so much better. No pun intended, but little steps will help you reach your goal.
Kathy |
Southern California |
Why I'm Active: I was denied a job I was more than qualified for because my blood pressure was high. That got me serious about how overweight and sedentary I had become. Because I wanted to play with my grandkids and keep up with my very active husband, getting active had become necessary. So, I joined Curves, bought a bike and started doing English Country Dancing.
Favorite Activities: My favorite activity is dancing, but I can’t dance all the time. So, I sneak activity into my daily routine. To get outside and break up busy, inactive days, I take a few quick walks around the block. At work, I make a point of walking across campus. Wearing a Fitbit challenges me to move more every day.
How My Life is Better: I’ve lost over 50 pounds. I feel better at 59 than I did in my 40s! I definitely can play with my grandkids even though they keep getting older and more active! And now, my husband has to keep up with me!
Christine |
Florida |
Why I'm Active: I have been overweight...no, not just overweight, but morbidly obese, my entire life. But when I turned 40 and I topped out at more than 200 pounds overweight, something clicked and I decided that it was time to quit sitting passively and allow the health issues continue to mount. So I made the conscious decision, without anyone pressuring me to do it, to start moving and start eating better. It began with 15 minutes of swimming 3 times a week -- I could only do the side stroke at first -- but the best part was I was moving. Eventually my swimming increased and my ability to do more advanced strokes improved. I also started walking more -- during the day at work, the new dog we adopted, etc.I didn't hesitate to include extra steps in my day by parking further away from the office or farther in the lot at the store. The weight has been coming off as a result. But even more important, I sleep better, ache less, and have seen health conditions improve or disappear.
Favorite Activities: I love to swim -- it is the best exercise -- a combination of cardio and strength training from the resistance. It is easy on the joints -- anyone of any size, age, or ability can do it. You can swim laps, water walk, even do water aerobics. It's a great way to MOVE. I also love riding the stationary bike -- my goal is to get a two wheel bicycle for my 43rd birthday and start riding more outdoors.
How My Life is Better: I have lost 104 pounds as of this posting. I have also lowered my cholesterol (including an over 100 point drop in my triglycerides!). I sleep a lot better and have less gastrointestinal upset. I ache less and have more energy -- which just leads to more movement!
Connie |
Michigan |
Why I'm Active: I have been a huge fan and promoter of an active lifestyle since in my 30’s raising young children. Taking a walk was MY time, good for me physically and as important, good for my mental state. This is still true today now that I am my early 60’s. I do it to lower my blood pressure, to manage my weight and BMI, to strengthen my bones to offset osteoporosis, and have a stronger core.
Favorite Activities: My favorite activities are walking outside, working out to a variety of walking DVD’s, taking items up and downstairs one item at a time, parking in the far corners of parking lots, taking the stairs instead of elevators at medical facilities, hotels, museums, department stores and taking grandsons on walks to model this active lifestyle for them, too.
How My Life is Better: Since starting to walk for exercise in my 30’s, I have learned to love it and to kind of crave it. Now after 30 years, I am benefiting from it, even though I still have about 10 pesky pounds to lose, I am physically fit. I walk easily, with no pain. I don’t tire as easy in fact after a workout or walk, I am actually energized! If I’m not sure I have the time for a walk, I’ll just commit to 10 minutes or one mile and once out there, I keep going for at least 3 miles. I just love it. My joints don’t hurt. I can bend down AND get back up…lol… without any problems. I can keep up with my children and grandsons while on vacation. My legs are strong, calves almost rock hard, my core is strong, too. I’m more toned especially in the glutes area. :-)