Movement

MOVEMENT

“The body is designed to move.”

Exercise reduces:

 1.    Digestive upset: Exercise promotes blood flow to the gut and helps stimulate the rhythmic contraction of intestinal muscles required to move contents through the digestive system. Light exercise such as yoga, activate the parasympathetic nervous system and enable us to “rest and digest. 

2.    Depression and poor concentration: Serotonin is referred to as the “happy hormone” because high levels are associated with an elevated mood while low levels are associated with poor memory and depression. Movement stimulates the brain to release and synthesize serotonin which, in turn, improves mood. Nutrition and digestive health are also essential when addressing depression because about 80% of serotonin is produced in the gut.

3.    Allergic responses: Ever felt itchy after a long run or workout? This is the body burning through histamine which is a compound also released during allergic reactions. Exercise can deplete histamine stores and make the body less reactive.

4.    PMS: Cramps, bloating, irritability, and acne reflect an underlying hormone imbalance. Exercise may prevent this by promoting hormone balance and regulating insulin levels.

5.    Insomnia: Research shows that exercise improves sleep quality and quantity. Simply put, exercise fatigues the body and the mind enabling a more sound sleep at night. Earn your sleep.

6.    Fatigue: Physical activity forces more blood and oxygen to circulate through the body allowing it to be capable of more work.

7.    Pain: Exercise is a powerful remedy that increases circulation to an area of pain. The resulting surge in blood flow brings important nutrients to heal while lymph drainage negates the build-up of antagonizing waste. 

Remember, just as there is no “perfect diet” there is also no “perfect exercise routine”. Avoid comparison with others because health is individualistic and everyone exercises differently. Let it be a 20 minute walk after dinner, a spin class, a recreational sport, a Crossfit class, a bike ride, a stretching session, or heavy weight lifting day. Whatever you choose to do … make it fun, enjoyable, habitual, affordable, attainable, and regular.

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self REFLECTION

Get a piece of paper and pen ready!

I exercise (1) too much (2) to little (3) the perfect amount.

After I exercise I feel:

Three fitness goals (e.g., squat 175 lbs, leave feeling better) that I will commit to include:

Three forms of exercise that I would enjoy doing each week (e.g., hike, weightlifting, 20 minute walks on my break) are::