Made to Move

No matter what you believe as to how, why, and when humans were created, there is no denying the fact that we were made to move.

Our legs and feet were designed for propulsion, fast runs to escape predators, strolls on the beach in the moonlight, and dancing for the sheer fun of it. Our arms and hands were created for building shelter, fashioning weapons, and hugging our family. We have amazing spines that are meant to bend forward and backward and rotate side to side. Also very handy when it comes to dancing the night away.

When the human body is functioning the way it should, it’s a work of mobile art that allows us to move through our world with ease.

Unfortunately, that's not always the case.

When we are kids, young (and uninjured), our bodies do all the things they’re supposed to do. But something happens between adolescence and adulthood. We stop playing and challenging our bodies. Many of us don’t have to do hard physical labor to survive. We have desk jobs, cars, elevators, and home delivery. All this leaves us with little reason to move beyond what’s absolutely necessary.

But we need to move! Mobility, cardio, weights, stretching, power movements; all of these things are necessary for us to live and age well!

When was the last time you got down on the floor and played with the kids or dogs? Are you even able to get down on the floor? The better question is, can you get back up again if you do? Moving well makes things like that possible.

Movement isn’t just good for your body; it’s one of the best things you can do for your mind. Have you ever noticed how good you feel after a workout? It's funny how a hard workout, a relaxing yoga session, or even just a nice walk has the ability to clear my head, focus my thoughts, and lift my mood. And it's not just me. Science shows that exercise boosts feel-good brain chemicals like endorphins and serotonin. In some studies, exercise was even more effective than medication for depression.

So now what?

Well, we need to get moving. So, I’m challenging you this month to set a goal to increase your movement in some way. It could be to get more cardio in by walking more often, or training for a 5k. Maybe you want to increase your strength so you can lift that case of water by yourself. Or maybe your goal is to get up and down off the floor with ease. That is an excellent goal, by the way!

Whatever your goal, be patient with yourself. Remember we're looking for progress not perfection!

Stay well, my friends!

Alicia