How much time do you have for fitness?  Is it the Australia's Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines recommendation (18 to 64 years)?

"Accumulate 150 to 300 minutes (2 ½ to 5 hours) of moderate intensity physical activity or 75 to 150 minutes (1 ¼ to 2 ½ hours) of vigorous intensity physical activity, or an equivalent combination of both moderate and vigorous activities, each week."1

What about the rest of the time during the week?  If we shift our focus from exercise to movement then the amount of time we have available is far greater.   "Most exercise consists of the same movement or limited number of movements, repeated over and over again." 2  If we focus on both varying the type of exercise and adding some mindful movement throughout the day, we can improve our functional fitness for meeting everyday challenges and our overall health.  

There are many opportunities for mindful movement.  How do you carry things?  Handbag? Backpack? Back pocket? What about when you go to the supermarket? Do you grab a trolley and load it up or maybe give your arms some work by picking up a basket?  Do you do the same thing every time?

Let's play with movement so we can learn more about our bodies and the opportunities for mindful movement throughout the day.

References:

1.    Australia’s Physical Activity & Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for Adults (18-64 years), http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/health-pubhlth-strateg-phys-act-guidelines#apaadult

2.   Bowman, Katy, 2014, Move your DNA: Restore Your Health Through Natural Movement.