My mother likes to remind me that sitting at a desk for hours on end, without getting up, can be as harmful to the body as smoking. Periodically, I try to get up and move around, but I often get so engrossed in my writing that hours might slip by before I move from the computer.
A while back I purchased some Zumba Cds, thinking that might be the answer to my sedentary life. I heard all sorts of success stories, and frankly, I need to lose some weight.
I soon discovered Zumba is not for me. I tried to pawn my pricy Cds off on our daughter, even offering to ship them up to Alaska, where she lives. She informed me she too had purchased the program, and like me, it wasn’t her thing. So, no thanks.
For the last few Christmases I’ve been asking for a jogging trampoline. My husband, being a practical guy, figured it would go the way of the Zumba, but he broke down and got one for me this year. And surprise, I really use the thing!
A few of my writer friends use treadmill desks, which allows them to walk and stand while on the computer. I don’t really have the space – or the funds – for such a desk, so I decided to use a makeshift compromise.
I’m now spending a good portion of my day – at least 4 or more hours – on my feet, on the jogging trampoline. Depending on what type of work I’m doing, sometimes I can even move around a bit.
I’ve been doing it for almost a week now, and when I started I weighed myself. Today I am four pounds lighter. I am not sure it will continue, but it does convince me to stay on my feet.
Do I feel invigorated? No. To be honest, I am rather tired and achy. Hopefully that will lessen as my body gets used to the extra movement. The only thing I need to do is figure out a way to get closer to my computer.