Better Not Perfect Part 5: If You Must Scroll, Scroll and Stroll

Dan Beck

Nov 3

3 min read

Part 5: If You Must Scroll, Scroll and Stroll

We Get It

We're not here to pry the phone out of your hands. Honestly, that would be a little hypocritical, since you're probably reading this on your phone right now.

So here's our compromise. Keep scrolling. Just do it standing up and moving.

How to Scroll and Stroll (Safely)

Walking and scrolling at the same time is an art. Done wrong, you end up in a fountain or apologizing to a lamppost. Done right, you sneak in steps while catching up on everything you'd be looking at anyway.

Pick a safe route. A hallway, a track, your living room, or a quiet sidewalk. Not a busy street or a parking lot.
Phone calls count. Pace while you talk. Your mom won't know, and she'll be thrilled you finally called.
Podcasts and audiobooks are even better. Eyes up, ears busy, legs moving.
Pace during the boring stuff. Waiting on hold? Waiting for the microwave? Waiting for a video to load? Walk it out.

Why It Works

The best kind of exercise is the kind you'll actually do. If you're going to spend 20 minutes on your phone tonight, turning even half of that into walking time is a win without giving anything up.

Sound Familiar?

Picture someone we'll call Rob. Every night after dinner, Rob settles in for "a quick look" at his phone. An hour later, he's deep in videos of people restoring rusty old tools. He doesn't own any tools. He has no plans to restore anything.

One evening, his wife suggests a walk around the neighborhood. Rob agrees, on one condition: the phone comes too. So he pops in his earbuds, listens to a podcast about, yes, restoring old tools, and walks two laps around the block.

Rob still gets his fix. He just gets it on his feet now. And he's learned more about his neighbors' landscaping than he ever expected to.

Myth vs. Truth

Myth: "Screen time and exercise can't mix."

Truth: They mix just fine if you're smart about it. Phone calls, podcasts, audiobooks, and music all pair perfectly with walking. Just keep your eyes up near traffic and save the texting for when you stop.

Myth: "If I'm not breaking a sweat, it doesn't count."

Truth: Easy walking counts. It gets you off the couch and moving, and on most days that's all you need to aim for.

Today's Tiny Challenge

Every time you take a phone call today, stand up and walk. Kitchen to living room counts. Lap around the backyard counts. Bonus points for a podcast walk.

Try It Today Checklist

Stood up and walked during a phone call
Listened to a podcast or music on a walk
Paced while waiting (on hold, for the microwave, for a download)
Kept my eyes up and my texting for later

Excuse Buster

The excuse: "I'll look silly pacing around."

The bust: You'll look like a busy, important person on a very important call. Lean into it.

Simple Plan Pairing of the Day

Skip the food delivery app and keep scrolling something better. Today, try our Papas Locas Bowl. It's taco-seasoned ground chicken over roasted red potatoes with sweet corn, cheddar jack cheese, creamy chipotle mayo, and a side of warm queso. and already made, so dinner takes less time than one more video.

Coming Up Next

Tomorrow: Commercial Break Squats. Your TV is about to become your personal trainer.

Scroll right past the drive-thru ads. Simple Plan has healthy meals ready when you get hungry, no guilt required.

This article is for general educational purposes and isn't a substitute for individualized medical or nutrition advice. You should talk to your healthcare professional about any planned or necessary changes in your nutrition.