About the MOVE Section

Moving naturally is the idea of making low-intensity, daily physical activity an unavoidable part of your environment. Male centenarians in Sardinia’s Blue Zone tend to work as shepherds; Okinawans spend up to three hours a day in their gardens, growing food for their table. These are the kinds of activities longevity experts have in mind when they talk about exercising for the long haul.

On BlueZones.com, the MOVE section is where you'll find information on getting your body in motion in ways that are healthy and sustainable. We're not talking about gym rats, triathalons, or protein shakes. Instead, we'll promote a combination of aerobic, balancing, and muscle-strengthening activities.

In addition to digging up info on the best ways to gently exercise your body, we'll also give you tips on building habits that promote exercise without you knowing it! De-conveniencing your house or office (getting rid of those handy appliances that make life less physical), surrounding yourself with opportunities to move, and finding people who can help you achieve that goal will all be subjects we'll explore in this section.

How much can I gain?
Exercise at least 20 minutes for 3-4 days/week including basketball, soccer, running, swimming laps, fast bicycling, fast dancing, or similar aerobic activities was associated with a reduction in mortality by 26% and additional 3-4 years of life. Any physical activities or exercises including golf, gardening, or walking for exercise for at least 4-5 days/week can increase life span by 3-4 years.