Fight Chronic Disease With a Hunter-Gatherer Mentality

Hi, I'm Dr. Miller with a tip for better fitness. This may sound a little crazy, but one of the best ways to reduce your risk of chronic disease may be to act a hunter-gatherer ancestors. Scientists recently analysed that physical habits of our long ago ancestors and found that they probably burned between 800 and 1200 calories per day doing physical things, most of them outdoors, but the average American today, we spend only a fraction of that. If you're ready to activate you hunter-gatherer genes, try this fitness plan. Hit the trail, find ways to walk more during everyday task and add a daily walk to your schedule. Lift things, at least two to three times a week, do some strength training at home or at the gym.

Get flexible, activities like yoga and tai chi can make you more nimble, and mix it up. Once or twice a week, alternate short burst of moderate to high intensity physical activity with periods of rest and recovery to challenge your heart and lung. Hunter-gatherers got lots of rest, relaxation and sleep to recover from physically demanding day.

More ways to shape up? Watch all our smart health tips, right here.