INACTIVITY: A simple answer to why you may not be achieving your fitness goals.

Walking is hugely underrated, especially now that many of us have transitioned to the "homebody" lifestyle. Let's face it; there is a high chance that we are not moving as much as we once used to. On a day-to-day basis, many of us are more sedentary than ever before. Of course, this isn't by choice, and maybe we don't realize it but working from home and skipping the store to have everything delivered = less activity. Less activity and less movement lead us to fewer calories burned.

I know what you are thinking... I am getting my workouts in, so shouldn't that be enough?

Possibly but most likely not. Our bodies before the March 2020 shutdown were used to our daily routines and activity level. Now, some of us are eating the same and doing less. Do you know what this means? Those of you who are trying to lose weight may now find it harder to accomplish, and those of you trying to maintain through this pandemic have suddenly noticed your favorite sweatpants fitting a little tighter and the darn scale creeping up.

On average, I was stepping 17,000 steps a day while in the workplace; (exercise without realizing) now, I average 7,000. That is with 30 minutes of walking a day + a 60-minute workout! MIND BLOWN. I went from burning approximately 2,500 calories a day to 2,000 if I am lucky. That 500 calorie difference a day will add up over time if you aren't mindful of proper nutrition and movement.

Long story short: The math is simple; the less we move, the less we "burn." The less we move, the less energy (food) we need.

So, my advice to you; make getting outside a habit. Do your best to make walking a part of your daily routine. Get outside while the weather is still mild, and even when the temperatures drop, bundle up and pick up the pace!

My favorite walk is "the coffee walk." The perfect start to the day because nothing beats the combination of fresh air and coffee. Is there a better way to wake up? I can't think of one.