Breaking the Inactivity Cycle: Embracing Everyday Exercise

Craig McBreen • August 23, 2024

In the past, people were significantly more active than they are today. 


Physical activity was part of daily life, and often essential for survival. From early hunter-gatherer societies to the era of farming, people often did hard physical work.


Today we are far less physically active than our ancestors.


People in pre-industrial societies would have walked significantly more steps or miles on average than the sedentary humans today.


Today, the average American walks far less and spends considerably more time sitting.


Living a life of sitting brings many issues, including heart disease, obesity, loss of muscle and bone density, a higher risk for type 2 diabetes, and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. 


I could go on but you get the picture.


Our ancestors were movers.


Research suggests that people in pre-industrial societies may have burned anywhere from 400 to 1,000 more calories daily compared to modern sedentary humans.


Today we are so much less active it’s hard to even try and compare our lazy lifestyles to our forebears.


Only about 23% of American adults meet the recommended guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities.


It's not a stretch to say that most Americans struggle to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines.


Here's the deal: We're built for physical activity. It's in our DNA. 


But modern life has made it harder for us to stay active. 


We've engineered physical activity out of our daily routines, making exercise seem inaccessible. 


But we're fully capable of incorporating it back into our lives. It's what we're designed to do. 


We've evolved to move.


Despite our modern sedentary lifestyles, we can still fit exercise into our daily routines and change our health and well-being.



Here are some ways to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine:

Small Changes for Daily Life:


  • Opt for the stairs instead of the elevator
  • Park farther away from the store entrance
  • Squeeze in a short walk every day, even if it's just for 10 minutes


Try These Activities:


  • Experiment with rucking while carrying a few extra pounds
  • Schedule two resistance training sessions a week
  • Explore new hobbies like pickleball or hiking


Keep Going with Bodyweight Exercises:


  • Master the perfect push-up
  • Learn how to plank effectively
  • Incorporate bodyweight squats into your routine
  • Try the glute bridge for lower body strength


Learn about the combo of
Nutrition, Resistance, and Balanced Cardio.


Remember, it's not about making drastic changes overnight, but consistency and incremental progress over time. 


Set small, achievable goals and make consistent efforts to fit physical activity into your day

That’s how you gradually improve your health and fitness levels. 

So, start today, take one small step at a time, and watch as those baby steps lead to significant transformations in your life. 


Here’s to your journey towards a healthier, happier you!



Take Action Today: Transform Your Health in Fort Collins, Colorado


If you're ready to break the cycle of inactivity and embrace a healthier lifestyle, now is the time to start. At FiftyPlus Fitness, we specialize in personal training tailored for men in Fort Collins, Colorado. Whether you're looking to lose weight, gain strength, or simply feel more energized, our approach is designed to help you incorporate fitness into your daily routine, no matter your starting point.


Don't wait to make a change—your health and well-being are too important to put off. Contact us today to learn how our personalized training programs can help you reclaim your vitality and build a stronger, healthier future. Let's work together to make your fitness goals a reality in Fort Collins and beyond!

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