Anne Engel Anne Engel

Free Yourself from Inactivity

Freeing yourself from inactivity is imperative in our modern age, where sedentary habits have become ingrained in our daily routines.

Whether it's spending hours commuting, being chained to a desk and computer at work, or indulging in prolonged screen time, modern conveniences have inadvertently led us down this path.

The level of inactivity that most people experience every day is simply not conducive to good health.

As someone who also grapples with these challenges, I understand the struggle firsthand. Caught up in the demands of writing, researching, and meeting with clients, I often find myself glued to my desk for hours on end.

It's only when I finally push back and stand up that I feel the physical toll – stiff neck and shoulders, achy hips. Yet, amidst the pressure to maximize productivity, it's essential to recognize the sacrifice we make by neglecting our bodies.

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Anne Engel Anne Engel

Prescribing your Path to Health with Lifestyle Medicine

I like thinking about lifestyle habits …

Because, you know, it's our habits that make us who we are.

And it’s our habits that can make a huge difference in not only how we feel today, but our health trajectory.

I’d like to share a quick story.

The other day I was at a small gym that focuses on strength training. One thing I like about it is that it merges the idea of personal training with a community who is working together on their own personal goals.

I recognize that having a community of support, vs. me trying to figure it out on my own, is crucial to my success.

So up to six of us are working through the same routines at the same time, but obviously the weights are individually customized.

The ongoing casual banter, an energetic and fun trainer, and loud music certainly kick up the energy and motivation to get through a few routines. I leave feeling accomplished and happy that I’m making progress on a goal that I set for myself.

I also remind myself that building strength, stability and balance is one of the most important things I can be doing for my long term health.

But let me get to my main point here.

As we’re in the middle of a set, a guy across from me casually mentions the fact that about a year ago he was a hundred pounds heavier and confronting a diabetes diagnosis.

Fast forward to the present - he had recently left his doctor’s office, with no diabetes markers identified, and off all of his diabetes meds.

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