Being busy is not the same as being active!
As we chat with our patients about physical activity, a familiar story tends to emerge—where people link their bustling routines to "staying active" or credit their "always-on-the-move" jobs for keeping them in motion. It's a narrative we encounter so often that it's almost like a catchy chorus in a song we've heard a hundred times. Many believe that the daily hustle and bustle, jam-packed with tasks and responsibilities, means they're ticking the box for physical activity. But wait, is this link as straightforward as it seems? Let's unpack this correlation.
Are we oversimplifying it all?
For ages, the world of physical activity has relied on a measuring stick called metabolic equivalent task units (METs). It's like the Swiss Army knife of measuring health effects—from lazing around to intense workouts. But here's the catch: does this simple tool truly capture all the good stuff our bodies get from these varied movements?
A study from 2018 [1] nudged us to think twice. Can a length stroll truly match up to a gym session? At what level do them become comparable? Surely 500 METs of “busy life” (e.g. a 2 hour walk) can’t give you the same health benefits of 500 METs of a workout.
"Not all physical activity is created equal"
Imagine this: you're logging steps all day at work or immersed in tasks that keep you moving, yet the health payoffs might not mirror the effort. Because not every physical activity is a winner when it comes to health gains. The impact of daily work movement isn't the same as the rewards from dedicated exercise sessions. And those lighter-intensity activities, where we spend a good chunk of our day, still hold a mystery in terms of their health effects.
It's not just about quantity, but also the quality.
Let's talk cardio fitness:
Racking up significant METs at a lower intensity might boost metabolism, but it might not give your heart the workout it craves. That's why some folks with physically demanding jobs might still have poor heart health despite having very active workdays.
Plus, the pattern of activity matters more than we think. Long stretches of sitting, despite our overall movement, tag along with increased risks. This highlights the need for quick movement breaks to spice up our routines for overall well-being.
So, let's bid farewell to the idea that 'busy equals active.' Let's embrace the intricate dance of physical activity on our well-being, moving beyond the 'busy' facade, and explore the nuances of movement for our best health.
This blog and the contents within are shared to enrich the understanding that members of the Elevation One community have in relation to physiotherapy and general health. It should not be used to diagnose any medical conditions and is not health advice. We always recommend seeking a medical professional for your health concerns.
Holtermann, A., & Stamatakis, E. (2019). Do all daily metabolic equivalent task units (METs) bring the same health benefits?. British journal of sports medicine, 53(16), 991-992.
