Why It’s Important To Keep Your Body Moving!

Recently, I visited my physical therapist for a small recurring back issue and I was telling her that I must move my body and exercise daily in order to feel well.

If I didn’t move my body daily, I would start hurting and feel less than 100%.

She said “Well you know, motion is lotion”! What a great phrase!

Motion is Lotion!

The body is designed to move as movement improves body functions, promoting physical and mental health.

The more you move, the more lubrication moves through your joints.

According to nursechrisp.com,“Maintaining the motion of your joints can improve your strength, mobility and flexibility. Regularly moving your joints will result in decreased pain”.

Many times sitting still is worse for your body than activity.

Sitting disease is when you sit too much and according to chropractor.com “sitting is the new smoking. An inactive lifestyle is shown to shorten your lifespan, cause hormonal changes, and increase inflammation”.

“Sitting dormant for hours on end, combined with a lack of exercise has been proven to cause type-II diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers”.

Sitting for long periods of time can contribute to weight gain, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, blood clots and back pain!

May stay glued to their desks for long durations.

For every hour of sitting, it’s best to get up for 10 minutes. Here are some suggestions!

🧍‍♀️ Drink lots of water which will force you to get up often
🧍🏾‍♀️ Set an alarm on your phone
🧍‍♀️ Set a reminder on your calendar
🧍🏾‍♀️ Stand while talking on the phone or during a conference call
🧍‍♀️ Stand during meetings

If there’s no way to step away from your desk, you might want to invest in a Varidesk and stand while you work.

Varidesk!

The Varidesk allows you to sit or stand and still be in an ergonomic position. It’s easy to control too!

Flexibility and Strength!

Activities that keep you stretching and moving are important for maintaining flexibility and strength.

It’s kind of like keeping your joints oiled.

The Fitbit activity tracker is a good motivator to keep you moving.

If you don’t already know, “Fitbit is a physical activity tracker designed to help you become more active, eat a more well-rounded diet, sleep better and ultimately, turn you into a healthier human being“ according to How Stuff Works.

Personally, I’m obsessed with counting steps and I’ve found that walking is one of the best ways to accumulate steps!

Whether it’s walking on the treadmill or taking a nice walk outside with the dogs, there are many benefits, such as:

A Calmer Mind
Back Pain Relief
Sturdier Bones and Joints
Toned Muscles
Improved Digestion
Benefits For the Pancreas
Increased Lung Volume
Prevention of Heart Disease
Improved Eyesight
Brain Boosting Effect

When you walk, your brain produces mind-boosting endorphins!

It’s good for your body to move every day and to participate in some kind of exercise whether it’s walking, using a piece of cardio equipment or lifting weights.

Feel Good Chemicals!

When you engage in physical activity each day, your brain releases “feel good” chemicals that play a big role in how you feel, and here’s why:

🏃🏾‍♂️ Endorphins improves your sense of well-being, and also helps you relieve pain and it even reduces stress.

🏃 Dopamine is linked to pleasure, and gives you a sense of accomplishment when you achieve something, like completing an exercise routine.

🏃🏾‍♂️ Serotonin improves mood disorders, and helps with digestion and sleep.

🏃 Oxytocin, known as the “bonding hormone,” can make you feel more connected to others.

So, remember, these chemicals are like your brain’s happiness helpers, and moving your body gives them a boost.

Remember…before you start any type of activity or exercise program, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider and /or physical therapist for a full evaluation.