Livvy Partington is one of our expert sports massage therapists at our Wilmslow clinic. Discover her top 3 reasons why walking meetings could be your new go‑to for productivity, creativity, and calm.
Working from home is resulting in 5,000 less steps a day in some cases.
Why is this a problem?
In a British study published in 1953, scientists examined two groups of workers: London bus drivers and bus conductors. It concluded that the bus drivers were nearly twice as likely to die of heart disease as the conductors were.
Unfortunately, 60 years later, we’re still sitting – oblivious to the risks.
Lack of physical activity is one of the TOP FOUR leading causes of preventable death worldwide, ahead of high cholesterol, alcohol and drug abuse (according to the world health organisation).
We are designed to move. Regularly. Every hour. Not just for 30mins of HIIT in a morning.
Introducing.. ‘Meetings on the Move’
Here’s why they’re worth a go:
- Less Sitting = Happier Muscles & Happier Stomach
Too much time in the chair = tight hips, hunched shoulders, and lower back pain. A short walk helps loosen things up, wakes up sleepy muscles, manage blood-sugar levels and curb urges for unhealthy snacks between meals.
- Improved Productivity & Mental Health
A 2015 Birmingham University research study, compared the moods and stress levels of workers who went walking after lunch to a sedentary control group. After a lunchtime walk, participants felt less stressed, more enthusiastic and able to cope than on afternoons where they hadn’t walked.
- Boosts Creative Thinking
A Stanford University study showed that a person walking could produce twice as many creative responses when compared to someone sitting down. In the same study, indoor treadmill versus outdoor walking was compared, with the conclusion that walking outdoors amplified the positive effect on creativity.
Next time you’ve got a meeting, take it outside. Your body will love you for it.
If you want to bring meetings on the move to your workplace I’d highly recommend trundl – the founder inspired me to write this post!