Sitting at a desk all day is a fact of life for a writer. We spend hours in front of a computer typing away with only our fingers moving and our minds working. But what about the rest of the body? Will the long hours of writing turn our bodies unfit?

It doesn’t have to. The key to staying healthy while writing is to stick to a fitness regime. I know some will groan about this, but if you set a plan and follow it, the end results will be a win-win. Staying fit, and no weight gain.

Since hours are spent stationary, try taking a short walk before starting to write. If you have a treadmill, even better. A 15 minute walk in the morning will keep the muscles tone and get the creative juices flowing. It’s been cold lately, and I’ve been struggling with this. I don’t have a treadmill and don’t want to drive to a gym. It’s too much trouble, and valuable writing time is wasted traveling back and forth to workout. So during the cold winter months, I’ve been exercising along with Leslie Sanson on YouTube. It’s a 20 minute walk-along I can do in my living room. But spring is here, and the weather is warming. I’m going to get my sneakers on, put my ear buds in, and enjoy a walk outside while listening to a book. It’s striking two things off my ‘to do’ list.

Another way to keep the pounds at bay, try having healthy snacks in the house. We all know that while writing, a cup of coffee or tea with a nibble is needed. Instead of a donut or cookie, have cut veggies and hummus. And if you need something sweet, there is fruit: grapes, oranges, and apples.
One thing I want to change is the way I sit at my desk. I was surfing Amazon and stumbled on fitness balls. What a great way to sit and still get some exercise. The ball forces you to sit up. There’s no chair back to lean on, and you’re constantly making small adjustments trying to keep your balance. This will help tone your core muscles. While balancing on the fitness ball, try rolling back and forth. The movement will give you a small workout, and improve your posture.

I’m not a health care provider, I’m a writer. So what works for one person, may not work for someone else. Before starting any exercise program, always consult your doctor. At my last annual physical, my GP told me to try to do more exercise to tone and lose a few pounds. Well, I’m trying. I haven’t been too successful lately, but I’m going to step it up with exercise and tweak my diet.
I like to thank Shannon for inviting me to guest post today. I have enjoyed my visit. And don’t forget to check up on me in a few months to see how I’m doing. I’ll be posting my progress on my blog, Healthy Living on the Cheap. I’m counting on you to keep me on my game.

Lizette Strait

Leslie Sanson - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SSYX8sIOmM
Healthy Living on the Cheap Blog https://healthylivingonthecheap.wordpress.com/