“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.” – JOHN F. KENNEDY.
Fitness and exercise can often be intimidating words. For today, I am going to focus on the word “movement”. Movement is possible for everyone, anywhere.
What qualifies as movement? Movement can be anything from walking down the hallway, stretching your arms and legs, doing chair squats, cardio exercise, or lifting weights.
Let’s keep things simple and focus on simply moving the body throughout the day! Here are some ideas to get started: getting up from your desk and fill your reusable water bottle three times per day (this will also help your hydration!); complete 10 stand to sit movements at your chair; or, reach down to the floor for 30 seconds to stretch your hamstrings. This is all movement in a very simple form. For others, movement may look different or more advanced. You might do 30-45 minutes of cardio or strength training. The important thing is that you are moving!
Movement, in any form, does something for your mind, body, and soul. It also creates a hormonal response from the body.
When you do not move your body enough there is a lack of oxygen flowing to your brain and body. Your blood flow is decreasing and blood can pool in the legs, causing added pressure to your veins. A sedentary lifestyle also decreases the engagement or firing of your muscles, which can lead to decreased muscle tone. Finally, the hormonal responses can include: a decrease in serotonin levels, a slowing of the metabolic process, and a decreased ability to regulate our blood sugar. This is just a start to the negative side effects of not moving our bodies enough.
Now, let’s do an exercise together to move our body before we move on! Lets get up and walk for 30 seconds, 10 stand and sit from a chair, stretch out our hamstrings for 30 seconds, and complete 10 shoulder circles forward and then 10 shoulder circles backwards. This all took about 2 minutes to complete!
Now take a second … How do you feel?
Jackie Errico is the owner and founder of Jackie Errico Fitness, a luxury personal fitness center in Clarendon Hills that provides a one-on-one experience with a personal trainer to help you reach your goals. Your workout journey is based off your needs and current fitness level and can be in-studio or in-home.