Movement is the song for the body

Movement is the song for the body – Vanda Scaravelli

 Exercise, physical activity, fitness…..what ever you want to call it has been a life long passion of mine. If I chose ten words to describe myself one of them would undoubtedly be ‘sporty’. I love being active. Actually that’s not strictly true, sometimes I have that feeling of urgh, I can’t be bothered and I’d rather sit with my coffee and book. BUT one thing is for sure, I feel amazing once I have done it.

Feel Good

 

It’s well known that taking part in exercise produces the feel good hormones, endorphins. They are the chemicals responsible for that post exercise high. They act as an analgesic that reduces our perception of pain. If we could bottle the post exercise high, we’d be in a very good place! There are many studies to show the positive impact of exercise on anxiety and depression, as well as a number of physical conditions.

I am very aware that I am lucky to enjoy and love exercise. It’s not the same for everyone. But the fact of the matter is movement is an essential part of being human. We are an increasingly sedentary population with cars, computers and Netflix. Desk working gets us stuck in a seated position where ‘three hours just goes’ when you are engrossed in what you are doing. I hear this so often from my massage clients.

What the experts say

 

The WHO suggest ‘all adults should undertake 150–300 min of moderate-intensity, or 75–150 min of vigorous-intensity physical activity, or some equivalent combination of moderate-intensity and vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, per week. Among children and adolescents, an average of 60 min/day of moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity across the week provides health benefits. The guidelines recommend regular muscle-strengthening activity for all age groups.’ 150-300 minutes per week equates to 21 to 42 minutes of exercise a day.

Movement is medicine 

So you know you should take regular exercise, and its part of the basics of self-care. But where to start if you really don’t like it! I’ve noted a few ideas below for you to try!

I’m going to use movement instead of exercise. It’s a word that I feel more at ease using in this context. Movement feels more natural, primordial, human. Exercise conjures up pain, discomfort, a have-to.

How to bring movement into your life

 

• Find something you enjoy.
• Take something in your life that you love to do, and focus your movement around maintaining your ability to perform that task with ease.
• Set your self a challenge
• Find a buddy.
• Learn a new movement skill
• Combine your movement with something you enjoy.
• If you love being outside, take your movement outside. A walk, a yoga session in a park, a little movement circuit in your garden.
• Variety.
• Invest in a coach.

 

In movement there is balance. In balance there is movement – Mark Whitwell

Leave me your thoughts below. Thank you as always for reading x