Movement Matters -

I often find myself telling clients to "move your body". There's no set way to maintain or gain strength and mobility. Each of us is unique in the demands that our lives place on our bodies. What might be required of one person for their daily routine may seem unnecessary to another. While we all perform some of the same movements each day, as we age those movements may require modifications or adaptations. I try to emphasize the importance of daily activities such as walking and gentle stretching to maintain functional movement patterns and reduce stress on the body overall.

The body is made to move. We weren't meant to sit for long periods of time. This sedentary lifestyle can lead to hypertension, cardiovascular disease, back pain, obesity and even depression. Two centuries ago 90% of the world lived in agricultural communities. People sat for 3 to 5 hours a day to break from their work or eat a meal. Today Americans sit for an average of 13 to 15 hours a day. That's terrible! We can all do better than that no matter what our age or physical condition. Now, I'm not advocating for your 80 year old grandma to all of a sudden grow her own wheat (although it would probably be healthier - but that's for another post). No, I'm advocating for movement. Stand up from your seat, take a deep cleansing breath and walk. Maybe you walk 10 feet. Maybe you walk for 10 minutes. Just move.

By moving our bodies we:

• Increase joint mobility. By using our joints in active and quality forms of exercise we allow it to reach by functionally fit. Exercise such as walking, swimming or yoga can increase joint mobility and increase stability.

• Increase the likelihood of quality sleep. Movement and exercise no matter the intensity can help you gain quality sleep. The body does most of its "recovery" during deep sleep. When you move your body regularly through exercise you are giving yourself the best chance for proper rest and recovery.

• Decrease pain. Joint pain is something comes with age and activity this is true. However, when our muscles are strong and support our bones there is less stress on the joints. Can we solve all of our pain with movement? No, but we can lessen the impact thus increasing the chance of more movement in the future.

• Increase our independence as we age. No one wants to be dependent on others for daily activities like meal preparation, bathing and toileting. If we adopt healthy movement habits in our younger years we are less likely to need assistance as we age.

• Decrease incidence of depression. Movement and exercise activate the release of endorphins , AKA the happy hormone. Who doesn't want to be happier and healthier!

I've noticed that once people adopt the habit of movement they don't give it up. They like the way they feel and their quality of life improves.

What will you do this week to move?