Just Move! 6 Benefits of Movement


Why Is Movement So Important?

Movement pumps blood into our cells and wakes them up. It’s the quickest way I know to alter your state of being. Just a little movement can completely change your level of mental alertness. The trick is to not wait until you feel like moving, that time may never come. You must step into movement without getting caught up in making sure everything is right. The right time, the right place, the right clothing, the type of workout. Leave all that behind and just get up and move in ways that light you up—dancing, walking, stretching, running, bicycle riding, skating, whatever it is, it all counts. It’s time to understand it’s all about movement and there’s very little that needs to be involved. The more you start moving, the more your body will crave it, soon it will become a natural part of your day.

It’s time to stop thinking of daily exercise as a chore like running ten miles or bench pressing your weight. The demand can be far less taxing and should fit your fitness level.

From your brain to your joints, moving every day has the power to improve every part of your body. And it’s not just about the high impact and sweat-inducing exercises. It’s simple, whether you choose to implement small movements into your routine or try a new activity like pilates, cardio dance, cycling or yoga, increasing your daily mobility can help upgrade your health. Exercise helps you enjoy life pain-free. Exercise is going to make a difference in your life.

The Six Benefits of Movement

Muscles: You have more than 600 muscles in your body that contribute to about 40% of your total body weight. By moving, you are strengthening your muscles, which improves stability, balance, and coordination.

BONES: Movement helps build more durable, denser bones. Bone-building activities like resistance training (weights), weight-bearing exercises (jogging, walking, hiking), and balance training (yoga) can support better bone density.

JOINTS: Yoga is all about body awareness, so you’re compelled to pay attention to each movement. By being aware of how you move, you can increase coordination and balance, be mindful of the positioning of your joints, and relax. Plus, yoga encourages flexibility and range-of-motion, which boosts joint flexibility and joint function.

BRAIN: Walking 30-40 minutes a day, three times per week can help “regrow†the structures of the brain linked to cognitive decline in older adults. If you are working from home or tend to sit more often, make an effort to take walks.

HEART: According to the British Heart Foundation, we can avoid around 10,000 fatal heart attacks each year if we keep fit, so start moving and try cycling to improve your heart health. Regular cycling can cut your risk of heart disease by 50%.

LUNGS: Keeping your rate up improves your cardiorespiratory endurance. Circuit training with a personal trainer or in a group ï¬tness class is a perfect solution. But again, you don’t have to perform a high-intensity movement. Instead, try BODYFLOW or Yoga Sculpt – it still gets your lungs going, but at a more comfortable pace.

If you enjoy taking walks, set a reminder, and make it happen. If you are interested in yoga or pilates but haven’t yet made the leap, try a group exercise class.

Just move and avoid inactivity! Find something or several activities you love to do and commit to it daily.