M. Suzanne Terry

“American women have two modes — sitting or spinning. French women prefer gentler, more regular varieties of all-day movement. They see exertion as an integral part of the day.” Mireille Guiliano, French Women Don’t Get Fat

When I got to that line in the book, it hit me square in the face. That describes my typical activity level perfectly – sitting or spinning.  I am either completely still or I am in a frenzied state, sweaty and out of breath, trying to eke out some burned calories to counteract my slothdom.

Today, I didn’t cut corners.  I made a point to get up at least twice an hour and walk. Instead of IM-ing my boss when a student showed up for an appointment, I stood up and went around the corner to her office.

I took the stairs.

I have walked so many stairs today. This was a grand/terrible idea for the first day. I might actually be sore tomorrow.

I take the stairs every day…to my apartment.  But everywhere else?  The elevator is a friend of mine.

Not today, though. Today, I realized just how many times I go to multiple floors at work and just how many stairs that adds up to, and I’m tired but not exhausted like I thought I would be.  I’m the kind of tired belonging to someone who has had a normal, active day.

I don’t think I’m going to have any trouble getting to sleep tonight. I also drank twice as much water as I usually drink, because more activity makes me thirsty.

I love it when simple things that don’t require any additional scheduling make a difference. I think I’ll take the stairs every day.

This is Day One of 31 Days of Movement.