Your body LOVES to move, right down to its smallest molecules. In fact, we’re wired for it, and your health depends on it.
Here’s a shocking stat for you:
“In less than two generations, physical activity dropped by 20% in the U.K. and 32% in the U.S. In China, the drop is 45% in less than one generation.” – designedtomove.org
Over the next few weeks I’m going to be talking about how important it really is to take care of your body and muscles. This goes far beyond the results you see in the mirror when you workout.
Moving your body on a regular basis helps everything from your energy levels, emotions, relationships and ability to learn, to your overall quality of life.
Here’s just a short list of how movement (walking, dancing, gardening, exercising, doing chores, etc.) has huge payoffs for you:
- It can help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol.
- It can help support brain health. (One study even showed middle-aged women who were considered “highly fit” had a lower risk of developing
dementia at an early age.) - It boosts your mood by creating more brain chemicals associated with happiness.
- It helps you handle stress better.
- It can help improve your focus and attention span.
- It can help your body battle inflammation.
- It also helps power your body’s lymphatic system, which is like your own personal army against infection. Because there is no natural “pump” to help your lymphatic system drain toxins from your system, the movement of your muscles is responsible for helping move this important fluid!
Here’s a little trivia you can even share with your friends:
How much faster can you recover from a common cold if you exercise on a regular basis?
Answer: Your chances of coming down with a cold are cut in half!
It’s true! A study of 1,000 people found people who were active 5 or more days a week were 50% less likely to come down with a cold over a 3-month period. And if they did come down with a cold, their symptoms were about 40% less severe.
Pretty amazing, right?
The great thing about it is that pretty much all forms of movement can help you – stretching, walking, even conquering a mountain of laundry!
Here’s a challenge for you …
Every day this week, set a timer for 15-20 minutes and move nonstop.
This could be a quick workout, a brisk walk, or even a fast & furious cleaning session in your home. To make it more fun, turn on some music to make it happen!
How are you going to get your movement in this week? Let me over in Facebook group!
What do you think? Are you up for it?
Committed to your Success,
Andy