As we are moving through 2018, we are encouraging you to pick a new monthly focus that will support you in your health journey.
For May, we have chosen to highlight movement and exercise.
Before we dive into the why, let’s get clear on what we are talking about.
Exercise is defined by any bodily activity that enhances or maintains physical fitness and overall health and wellness.
Movement is considered the act of changing physical location or position – so literally the act of moving.
So we tend to think of exercise as more formal, structured periods of engaging in physical activity that increases the heart rate. Activities like running, weight lifting, exercise classes, or high intensity interval training segments would fall into this category. Movement can be anything that gets you moving throughout the day – such as walking into the grocery store or climbing stairs at work.
The health benefits of exercise and movement are well documented. In short, exercise can decrease your risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Increasing your exercise can improve modulation of pain. People that move regularly are 43% more likely to experience successful physical, psychological and social aging.
Despite knowing the benefits of exercise and movement, physical inactivity remains an epidemic. Sitting is considered a new disease. It is estimated that 80% of Americans do not meet the government’s recommendations for exercise – aerobic activity and muscle strengthening. Even worse, we are falling short of simply moving our bodies. Around 45% of adults are not sufficiently active to achieve health benefits.
We know moving is beneficial for our health. We know that is has powerful benefits in the long term.
Yet, overall, we remain seated.
It is time to get underneath that paradox and ask some tough questions to reveal the answers.
What is in your way of moving your body daily? What excuses come up? Not enough time? Embarrassed to go to a gym class? Cannot afford a trainer? You absolutely hate exercise? You don’t know where to start?
What will it take for you to examine this?
How can you commit to moving your bodies more this month?
What are your next steps in creating more movement in your day to day life?
For those of you already committed to a daily movement practice –
- Do you enjoy what you are currently doing?
- How can you make it more fun?
- Is it time to switch it up?
- Are you gentle with yourself when you miss?
- Can you feel how strong you are?
Regardless of where you are in your life, we hope you will be inspired to get more enjoyable moments in your life this month.
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