We all know that we should move more but here is why and maybe this will inspire you to do it more!
Regular physical activity can significantly lower your lifetime risk for cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Even small amounts of moderate activity throughout the day give you health benefits. Physical activity has also long been associated with better mental health.
Movement is one of the most basic functions of the human body—and so healthy! Don’t let exercise become burdensome to you. By focusing on the goal as “movement” rather than “working out,” you can find ways to incorporate motion into your daily life in a way that feels good. Soon you will reap the benefits of motion and feel good while doing it. It doesn’t matter what…. dancing, cycling, walking, gardening, playing badminton,catch or football with your grandchildren, anything that you enjoy and gets you moving and up from sitting!
As a Pilates teacher, I often hear people say, “I feel so much better for doing the class.” It is difficult to keep the momentum going at the moment but having a routine helps and you are more likely to stick to it. I know I am better moving more in the morning, it wakes me up, fees up joints and sets me up for the day mentally!
Those who come to my classes often hear me talk about Fascia ( see my Blog) and its effect on your body’s immune system. The fascial system is throughout the body and is bathed in fluid, this includes Lymph. Lymph fluid contains infection-fighting white blood cells throughout the body. It is an important part of the immune system because it is responsible for removing potentially harmful toxins and bacteria from the body.
Unlike the circulatory or respiratory systems, the lymphatic and fascial systems do not have “pumps.” Instead, they rely on your movement to circulate fluid around the body. We are a little like a river inside and so each time you move large muscles of the body, you help pump fluid through your body, keeping your systems circulating and your internal river clean and free flowing. Don’t sit still and let your internal river become stagnant!
Moving and stretching not only helps to move lymph fluid, but also helps to keep you joints flexible and lubricated. Stretch while watching TV, listening to music, or talking on the phone.I could go on and on but you get the idea…Just Move! Your body will thank you for it. Motion is lotion!
By Charlotte Farrant
