The Problem with Exercise

In

When we were kids, our lives were defined by play, movement, activity and exploration. We never thought about scheduling a training session to work on our abs, glutes or upper body. We just lived eagerly and inquisitively, developing as human beings, (neurologically and physically, mind you), through the experience of constant and varied movement.

However, as we passed into adulthood, our childlike freedom and movement spontaneity began to severely diminish, replaced with sedentarism, stressful days and little time for meaningful activity. Yet, with this innate understanding that the body requires movement to survive, we have tried as adults to supplement this loss with so-called exercise, confining the body’s movement to couple-hour sessions in a given week. And don’t get me wrong, exercise has tremendous benefits on cardiovascular health, the prevention of many diseases and overall cognitive clarity. However, the concept of exercise can also pose a real problem. And what is that problem?

Think about it: The idea behind exercise can actually become an excuse not to move the rest of the day! We check it off our to-do list and then go on back to our chairs. We have 24 hours in one day, totaling 168 in the week. Out of that, we try to devote 45 minutes to 1 hour of exercise two to four times a week. Being generous, let’s say that exercise consumes four hours of our week. But what about the other 164 hours? See my point?

We must first begin to change our perception of what living well is. And living well is providing what our bodies need: constant and varied movement, just like children. Ever notice how kids never have joint or muscle issues? That’s because they move more! And when I say, “move more,” I am not just referring to moderate or vigorous exercise. Movement can be comprised of many things, such as, but not limited to the following:

Don’t just exercise, move more! Did you know that when you move often you increase levels of oxygen to your cells; curb joint and muscle inflammation; help flush cellular waste and build up; reinforce supple, loose, and mobile joints as well as stimulate the release of dopamine, a feel good hormone to the brain?All these benefits are what a life devoted to movement can offer.How do you distinguish between something that is living and something that is not? Movement! For movement is the very expression of life. So, live your best life now and fight against the current of sedentarism. Move more, move well, move often!


This article was written by Jonathan Taylor, a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, Movement Coach, and Personal Trainer. With over 14 years of experience, Taylor uses his expertise to train the lives of athletes, adults, kids, and those coming back from injury. Health is his obsession and movement is his practice. Follow him on Instagram @taylormadetomove.

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