By Nate Solia, CHEK Practitioner Level 1, HLC Coach
As soon as we are conceived we begin to move. From an embryo all the way until we die. But why do we move and why do we need to? No stress on the body equals status quo and that sounds quite comfortable, right?
Well, I am afraid not.
If we don’t move then our muscles, bones, tendons and joints begin to deteriorate. Our organs become weaker with no exercise. For example, the heart doesn't have to work so hard as it doesn't have to pump so much oxygenated blood around the body. The lungs don't have to work so hard because, well, quite frankly, you are not blowing so hard at an idle state. And unless you are a rock, we need to move to exist and if you want to exist for a long time, we must move often and if we are to survive “life threatening “situations like running for the bus. Because if you miss it and your boss will kill you for being late again!
All jokes aside, life presents many situations when your body will be tested. If your body is strong enough, you will survive these incidents without feeling like you might pass out, or worse, experience a sore lower back or worse still have a heart attack. Lack of movement can also lead to other lifestyle issues such as aches and pains as well as diseases such as obesity, diabetes, chronic fatigue and hypertension to name a few. In addition to physical issues, we know physical exercise can alleviate a number of mental health issues like depression, anxiety, anger, stress and mental fogginess amongst others.
My point being, you will benefit greatly if you were to incorporate regular movement into a daily practice.
But I hear you say “I got that Nate, but I walk a lot, isn’t that enough?”
Walking is necessary. We need to get from A to B easily and at times quickly, BUT walking is not enough to keep our entire body healthy, fit and functionally strong. Why? Because all parts or our body move and are needed to move in certain ways to support the body’s many functions. One of these is to exercise our organs.
How?
Well, your body is a complex machine. It is full of wires (nerves) that run through our spinal cord entering and exiting throughout different points along the spine to connect the brain to the various parts of the body. These nerves are sending and receiving signals back and forth from the brain to the various parts of the body to move. What is less known is that these same neural pathways that link the brain to muscles also links to certain organs like the heart and lungs. If we moving the chest muscles we are also sending signals to heart and lungs to pump harder. This in turn builds a stronger voltage and better connection between the brain and the organs. The stronger the organs the stronger they can withstand stress. Now I don't recommend putting more stress on the body with diet and lifestyle choices. That is another conversation for another day!
Now there is a caveat here – Putting too much stress through too intense or too long periods of exercise can also cause adverse effects on the body. Have heard the saying “Too much of a good thing is bad for you”? This applies here too. My advice is steady as you go and consider what you are doing is something you will do for the rest of your life.
Movement must be built up over time and it is lifestyle related. Some us want to be an elite athlete meanwhile others would like the ability to play with their children without feeling like they are embarrassing themselves losing to their 10 year old son on the soccer pitch. Your exercise regime should reflect what your goals are and the should include not wanting to die too early…..?
In total, movement impacts positively in some way, all 11 systems in our body. The Circulatory, Digestive, Endocrine, Exocrine, Immune, Muscular, Nervous, Renal and Urinary, Reproductive, Respiratory and Skeletal system.
We know that when we move regularly and appropriately, our circulation, respiration, digestion, muscular and skeletal system and immune system improves. What you may not know is that our endocrine (hormone production), exocrine (skin, hair, nails and sweat) and our ability to excrete toxins through our liver and kidneys can be positively impacted by regular and appropriate bouts of exercise. It has been known that movement can influence men’s sperm count as well as women’s ability to conceive! Men and women, take note of your new form of foreplay!
So next time, you don’t feel like hitting the gym, the trails, yoga or Tai Chi class, because you are too busy or cannot be bothered, think of what your body is missing out on. Every little bit supports you every day to survive the rigors of life today into your old age AND it’s not too late to start.
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Nate Solia is a leading Holistic Personal Trainer in Hong Kong. He specializes in Corrective Exercise, Body Transformation and Holistic Health. Practicing his 6 pillars of health – Mindset, Breathing, Hydration, Nutrition, Movement and sleep. He also owns a boutique PT studio in Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong and is a regular public speaker. Speaking to hundreds of groups including corporates, fitness conventions as well as his own Fitness Retreats in Thailand he holds twice a year.