Don't Just Focus On Your Running

Just when you think you have everything figured out, you get thrown for a loop!

That's what I wanted to share with you today. 

The #2 Key to longevity is Moving. Now that's something we runners have nailed down. We spend considerable time obsessing over our workouts and mileage so moving isn't an issue. 

But I recently learned from Dr. Tommy Wood that our obsession with our cardio workouts is the least effective part of the movement key. Studies show that if you get a good run workout in, but spend the rest of your time sitting or not moving either because of work or as a reward, you don't get any benefit from your workout!

The dreaded Couch Potato Syndrome...

We need to change our priorities regarding movement. Below is an upside down pyramid that illustrates where our focus should be. 

So our primary focus each day should be limiting our time sitting still. You've heard "Sitting is the new Smoking". Changing position, standing, stretching as much as possible reaps the biggest rewards. 

Next is moving, which for most of us is just walking. Take the stairs, walk the dog, walk for errands, it all adds up.

If you are moving all during the day, the next important step is lifting heavy things. You know we lose muscle mass as we age, it's truly a "use it or lose it" proposition. You don't need a structured weight room workout, just do some body weight exercises and lift heavy things when you have the opportunity during the day.

Sprinting is so beneficial to our metabolism, promoting growth of the mitochondria that power your muscle cells and sharpening your neurological pathways for more efficient movement. A couple of short sprints every two weeks is all you need, and as runners, there really is no excuse for us not to make this a habit.

The cardio workout, or what we would call our "run" is just the icing on the cake, not the main focus of staying healthy and fit by moving. You don't need to run very fast or very often to receive the benefits of a cardio workout. But that's what most of our focus is on for fitness.

I suggest you re-think how you approach your running. Build your foundation following the pyramid to get the most benefit from your running cardio workout and be a Forever Runner.

Sherpaherb: Longevity Coach

P.S. PLUS, whenever you’re ready, here are 2 ways I can help you: 

1. Become awesome in 21 days:  Join the  Forever Runner Training Center  and take the 21 Day Primal Challenge so you can quickly become a Primal, Fat Adapted runner.
2. Work with me privately: Click on this link to learn more about how you can transform your fitness and health by working with me.