The Benefits of Movement

Emotional Health, Fitness, Flexibility, Health & Wellness Article, Healthy Lifestyle, Mental Health, Physical Health, Self Improvement

If you exercise on a regular basis you are probably wondering why you need more movement and how you can possibly ever fit it in.

Most dictionaries define movement “as an act of changing physical location or position.”

However, movement is not exercise. It is not sitting in a chair working at a computer or on your favorite electronic device for long periods of time. Exercise is intense movement for a set period of time. Movement is any physical change in position and is usually the small, slow, accumulating activity spread throughout the day.

What is the benefit?

Long periods of sitting reduces the blood flow to the lower part of the body and causes the muscles to tighten. Movement allows you to stretch joints in different directions keeping the joints lubricated. Plus: the more you move the better your body feels. Sitting for less than 30 minutes at a time is ideal.

Another benefit is that you don’t need to spend so much time exercising. Your body will get therapeutic movement throughout the day. You can reapply that extra time for more movement-based activities like gardening, walking in nature or playing with your children or grandchildren.

Here are some suggestions on how you can move more:

Put things that you need in a location that is not convenient so you must reach or stand up to get them.
Instead of using an electric appliance, think like your grandparents and use more manual tools.
Take a walk with a friend instead of meeting for coffee.
Sit on the floor in different positions.
When standing in line, stretch your calf muscles or roll your shoulders.
Carry 1 item at a time up or down the stairs.
Be a kid again: Climb the Jungle Jim at the local park.
When talking on the phone, stand up and move your feet, hips and arms in different directions or try standing on one foot.
Get creative: Find more ways to incorporate movement into your day.