Move It, Move It

Movement…

Human bodies are made to push, pull, lift, carry, walk, dance, crawl and play.

I could tout the science and the physiological reasons why movement is so necessary, how strength and weight bearing activities help maintain a healthy skeleton, how movement keeps our joints supple, how movement balances the metabolism, how movement helps us be more resilient, adapt more smoothly to stress, how movement improves our mood and well-being, how movement can improve our physical appearance, how movement can improve our skin health, how movement moves lymph and helps the body detox, and more and more and more… but of all the things I want to say… movement is fun. It is delightful! It is what our bodies are meant to do…

So get out there.
Move.
Do what brings you joy.
Move in a way that delights you.
And, if movement doesn’t delight you, get moving. I promise, the delight will come, as your body gets used to moving again, as you find the activities that work for you.

Move because your body loves and needs to move.
If you have a goal for particular weight loss, a personal best weight you are working to lift, a number of miles or speed you want to ride, this is all great.
But, every day, move because your body loves to move.

Move your body alone
Move your body with a friend
Move your body with your children

Turn on your favorite music and dance in the living room,
…in the kitchen,
…in the yard,
…on the beach.

Put on your skis and head out on to the trails.
Snap on your snowshoes and hike into the forest.
Slip on your flip flops and walk through the park. Walk barefoot in the sand.
Hop on a bike and remember what it feels like to fly.
Paddle, or surf, or swim
Strap on a board and glide on the freshly powdered slopes
Lift a heavy object and know and honor your own strength.
Balance lithely or with a wobble and know how the breath, the gentle gaze, a subtle attention to the small muscles of stabilization support you.
Laugh if you fall.
Pay attention to the transitions.
Celebrate your body.
Rejoice in whatever movement is available to you, right now, in this moment.

Pick something new.
Or get completely immersed in one activity.
Stretch.
Stay flexible.
Build strength
Play!

Move it, Move it!

Dr Amy