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Many people discuss being paleo, but I only know a few who actually live a paleo
lifestyle. Becca and Winslow Jenkins have multiple egg-laying hens and forage, hunt, and fish for
food. Eric Frohardt hunts large and small game in the Colorado mountains with a bow. He carries his
prize back on foot (elk can weigh over a thousand pounds and it takes multiple trips to carry it out of
the mountains).
An anonymous ledger drawing of Kiowa Indian hunting elk on horseback, circa 1875-1877. Now that's paleo.
These examples of the paleo lifestyle set the bar quite high. It would be nice to aim so high, but
a 1940s lifestyle might be more attainable.
Here are some daily activities that make life more inconvenient, but can make us
healthier in the process.
A Reel Lawnmower
I recently moved into a house after years of condo life. Instead of purchasing the industrial gas lawn
mower (which somehow is supposed to make me more manly), I purchased the 1940s-style reel
mower made by Great States, a company based in Indiana since 1895. Mowing the lawn is now
an enjoyable exercise activity. I listen to books, which I could not do with a gas powered
mower. It is like a mini sled-push workout. If you dont have a lawn, you could always find someplace
that needs to be mowed (vigilante lawn mowers - VLM t-shirts coming soon!).
Dominic Matteo adding more resistance to his reel mowing exercise.
Stairs
Years ago, I made a rule that I would always take the stairs if it was an option. At the
airport, it is liberating to have the big empty staircase to use, while most everyone plops on the
escalator. At work, I am lucky to have the opportunity to walk up to my fourth floor office. If your
office is on the 27th floor, you could always take the elevator to the 23rd and walk from there (and
over time, lower your starting floor). The hazard to this rule is that staircase doors are often locked.
But if you are the type of person who likes to go against the grain, then taking the stairs is for you.
Walk Further
By parking farther away, you can get a lot more exercise. It feels especially nice after dinner.
The farther you park, the more you can enjoy the nice summer evenings. At work, try to find a
bathroom that is not close by - even better is if it is a floor or two away.
Move More
An interviewer once described Jason Statham as never sitting still during an interview. He attributed
this extra activity as a way that Jason stays lean. One of the benefits of a standing desk is
that it allows a person to wiggle and move around more. If you are more active in your
sedentary activities, you can add a great deal of conditioning to your day.
Play Outside
Kids in the 1940s were often outside playing. Why shouldnt we be outside more this summer, too?
The more you are outside, the more likely you will be active. Take an evening walk, grab a
ball, or play with your pets. You can lower your energy bills by enjoying the outdoor air and saving on
air conditioning, as well.
People back then spent a lot more time being active outdoors.
Nutrition
In the 1940s, people tended to eat less processed food. Whether you are paleo, vegetarian, or
anything in between, adopting this approach can be beneficial. Although it is more
inconvenient to prep your food in this way, it is likely you will be healthier. Ideally, it would be great to
think about going to the fruit stand and the butcher shops of the 1940s. It is unlikely that the 1940s
grocery stores had as much processed food (although, stay away from the Crisco).
Summary
Although we might not want to live with the education, healthcare, and technology of the 1940s, we
might benefit from some of the other lifestyle basics that era. By being as physically active as
people in the 40s, we might not need to do as much conditioning in the gym. Our time in
the gym could be better spent on strength activities.
We might also benefit from the simpler nutritional habits of eating less processed food. Just as
many of us would not want to live 100% paleo (the wild animals from that time are quite dangerous),
we might not want to give up all of our modern conveniences. But by choosing to live less
conveniently, we might wind up more physically fit.
Topic: Fitness
See more about: Paleo, lifestyle, movement, play, habits
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