Just Move It
I hesitate to use the word “exercise”. It conjures up images of exhausting, tedious and boring gym classes. Bad music and someone yelling instructions without being remotely useful or constructive. The same can be said for school coaches. It is often the lack of understanding the importance of movement that destroys our love of exercise for so many people early on in life. Movement is fundamental to physical and mental wellbeing. It is central to the longevity of our species. Exercise enhances nitrous oxide production. Which means that it improves blood circulation. Moving oxygen around the body and removing waste products. Movement, specifically cardiovascular exercise, enhances BDNF (brain derived neurotropic factor) which protects agains dementia.
Exercise is also one of life’s natural anti-depressants. For many people, simply getting daily exercise is enough to inspire them to make better food choices. It helps us sleep better by regulating circadian rhythm and eats up excess adrenaline.
The human brain evolved to solve problems while in motion. This is why we can decide where to hunt or hide while running away from a predator or towards prey. And also why lengthly meetings shut down the problem solving areas of the brain, rendering many people catatonic.
Personally, I find the most interesting aspect of exercise is that it is a stressor which counteracts the harmful effects of other stressors. Our brains are designed to deal with short term, acute crises. This is hard-wired and enables us to survive. What we are not wired to do is cope with unrelenting stress on a long term basis. And this is where exercise is so useful. The acute stress created by exercising, specifically HIIT or resistance training alleviates the damage caused by emotional or unrelenting chronic stress by physically re-training the the parasympathetic nervous system to pause between responses.
If you are the type of person who enjoys exercise, the feeling of solving otherwise insurmountable problems while exercising will be nothing new. Its is an amazing feeling to go for a run and come back to being able to solve difficult issues with relative ease. Whatever movement you choose, it needs to be something that you look forward to, something you will enjoy. There is no point forcing yourself to go to a spinning class if you absolutely despise it. Movement should give you a positive return on investment energetically. Even if you feel completely spent after a boxing class, if you aren’t looking forward to the next one it may be time to think of something new. If dancing, walking or swimming are more appealing do that instead. It is not the burning of calories that ultimately leads to you to your health goals. The hormonal and neuro-chemical benefits of movement are far more effective at helping to get you there.
The key reasons you need to move more:
Movement is natures’ anti-depressant, stimulating the production of dopamine and serotonin.
Movement improves endothelial function, stimulating oxygen supply to the brain and extremities.
Exercise improves bone density and mobility, keeping you young for longer.
The brain evolved to solve problems in motion, which is why moving alleviates stress.
Exercise produces BDNF, a powerful molecule known to improve memory and for its anti-anxiety effects.
Exercise forces you to breathe more mindfully.
Daily exercise helps you to sleep better.
Most importantly, movement or daily exercise should be fun. You should never feel depleted when you exercise.
Balances hormones
Reduces stress levels by regulating adrenal function
The key reasons you need to move more:
Movement is natures’ anti-depressant, stimulating the production of dopamine and serotonin.
Movement improves endothelial function, stimulating oxygen supply to the brain and extremities.
Exercise improves bone density and mobility, keeping you young for longer.
The brain evolved to solve problems in motion, which is why moving alleviates stress.
Exercise produces BDNF, a powerful molecule known to improve memory and for its anti-anxiety effects.
Exercise forces you to breathe more mindfully.
Daily exercise helps you to sleep better.
Most importantly, movement or daily exercise should be fun. You should never feel depleted when you exercise.
Balances hormones
Reduces stress levels by regulating adrenal function
