Getting movement back into your daily life

Before modern industry and agriculture, general movement played an integral part in our ancestors’ lives. For them, movement was not a conscious choice or an optional addition to their day. It was an integral part of their very survival. Whether it was hunting, gathering, farming, or tending to their homes—our ancestors were in constant motion. They traversed vast landscapes, exerted themselves in various physical tasks, and forged deep connections between their bodies and the natural world.

In this pre-industrial era, movement was not viewed as a separate entity from life itself. It was an inherent and inseparable aspect of their daily existence. It fueled their vitality, maintained their physical expression, and facilitated their survival. Their bodies and minds thrived on the rhythm of continuous engagement with the physical world around them.

Reflecting upon how humans have lived and evolved for the longest time, we gain a better and more nuanced understanding of the necessity for movement in our own lives. It serves as a reminder that our bodies are evolved for constant activity and that stagnation and sedentary behavior run contrary to our innate nature—and in the modern world, the necessity for movement has diminished significantly, leading to a sedentary lifestyle that poses various challenges to our well-being.

The unfortunate reality is that even those who engage in frequent movement often fall victim to repetitive and unnatural movement patterns. Whether due to occupational demands or personal habits, the movements we perform can become monotonous and detrimental to our physical health. Moreover, our surroundings have conspired against us, creating an environment that discourages movement. Beds and chairs are designed for comfort and convenience—inadvertently trapping us in static positions for prolonged periods, numbing our bodies, and promoting poor posture and muscle imbalances. Just look around, and you'll notice the prevalence of what can only be described as "C-shaped humans."

Surprisingly, studies have shown that individuals with an inactive lifestyle, primarily confined to sedentary work, who subsequently hit the gym to compensate, face a higher risk of injury than those who lead more sedentary lives. Although this may initially seem unfair, it is not without reason. Prolonged periods of sitting promote muscle imbalances and poor posture, creating a less-than-ideal foundation for physical performance.

To overcome these challenges and restore balance to our lives, we must reintegrate movement into our daily routines. This entails making intentional choices to prioritize physical activity and breaking free from the comfort that holds us captive. By consciously incorporating movement throughout the day, we can reshape our habits and gradually make movement a more natural part of our lives. It may involve taking frequent breaks from sitting, incorporating stretching or exercise routines, or finding opportunities for active movement during leisure time.

In this journey toward a more active lifestyle, it is important to recognize that change may not always be comfortable. We must be willing to embrace a certain level of discomfort as we challenge our bodies and push beyond our current limitations. We must remember that it’s our modern comfort that caused this conundrum in the first place. Doing so will pave the way for growth, improvement, and a healthier future.

In conclusion, let us rekindle the essence of movement that has been lost in the modern world. By acknowledging the limitations of our sedentary lifestyles, addressing the unnatural and repetitive movements we engage in, and creating an environment that promotes physical well-being, we can reintegrate movement into our lives. It may require a shift in mindset, breaking free from the comfort that has held us back, but the rewards are immeasurable.

So, let us embark on this transformative journey, embracing movement as an essential component of our daily routines and paving the way for a healthier, more balanced existence.

Until next time

Scott and Lennart