Movement is one of the Core Principles of PaceWell. We believe that movement is a fundamental aspect of a healthy life. It’s not just about exercise; it’s about staying active in all the ways your body naturally wants to move. Our goal is to help you reconnect with your body’s innate desire to move, encouraging a lifestyle that’s dynamic, varied, and in tune with your physical needs. By embracing movement in all its forms, you’re not only enhancing your physical health but also nurturing your mental and emotional well-being.
When we hear the word “movement,” it’s easy to immediately think of exercise—structured activities like going to the gym, running, or attending a fitness class. However, movement encompasses much more than that. It’s about avoiding a sedentary lifestyle and embracing the natural urge your body has to move. Your body isn’t meant to stay still; it yearns to move, and there are countless ways to incorporate movement into your daily life.
Moving Beyond Exercise
Movement isn’t confined to the gym or a workout routine. It’s about finding opportunities to move throughout the day in ways that feel natural and enjoyable. Think of it as a continuous, dynamic process rather than a specific time set aside for exercise. Whether it’s taking a walk, gardening, running errands, or even playing with your kids or pets, these activities all contribute to your overall movement and help keep your body in motion.
Everyday Movements Matter
Walking to the store, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, carrying groceries, stretching in between tasks, or even dancing around your living room—these are all forms of movement that contribute to your well-being. Movement doesn’t have to be intense or time-consuming to be beneficial. The key is to avoid being sedentary and to integrate movement naturally into your daily life.
I recently became a walker. I love to run and I love to ride my bike, but I was never really a walker—mostly because I thought I could run there faster, so I would rather do that than take time walking. But then I injured my knee, and that injury took a long time to diagnose and heal (I am going to write a lot about this injury and what I learned in a different blog). Part of the recovery process was the requirement to move, stay active. My body requires movement, so I was all in on this. I started walking with my husband, who is a foot taller than me and has a much faster pace, I walked with the dogs sometimes 2x a day, and I walked alone. At first, I hated it. I found it boring and thought it took too long, but then something changed. I realized I was outside in nature, which I love. I was going slower, and this pace was helping me destress, giving me time to think. It was sort of meditative, and now I am hooked. I'm a walker, and my body appreciates it, and because I allowed my knee to heal, I am back to being a runner and a cyclist. This experience has shown me firsthand how even simple, consistent movement like walking can transform not only physical health but also mental clarity and emotional well-being.
Variety is Key
Movement can come in a wide variety of forms. Beyond walking and gardening, you can think about activities like biking, cleaning the house, doing yard work, or taking a leisurely stroll through a park. These activities may not fit the traditional definition of “exercise,” but they keep your body engaged, your muscles working, and your joints flexible. The more you move, the more your body adapts and thrives. We are not meant to sit all day. Our bodies need movement for our musculoskeletal health (think posture and muscles). It is also crucial for our metabolic health (energy expenditure and insulin sensitivity), cardiovascular health (circulation and reduced risk of heart disease), and mental health (mood!). It is shown that prolonged sitting is associated with an increased risk of early death. So, let’s embrace the power of movement in our daily lives.
Listen to Your Body’s Need to Move—Then Do It!
Your body is designed to move, and it sends signals when it needs to stretch, flex, and stay active. It’s important to listen to those signals. When you feel restless or stiff, that’s your body’s way of telling you it’s time to move. By responding to these cues, you can maintain a healthier, more balanced lifestyle that doesn’t revolve around prolonged periods of sitting or inactivity. Remember that even a little bit is better than none, so next time you feel the urge to move, do it!
Tell us what movement information you would like to see: Contact us at any time, we love to interact with our community!
Have a Happy, Healthy Day!
-Lauren Ramsey, Founder, PaceWell
P.S. If you want to learn about the other core principles of PaceWell, check out these blogs!
Fueling Your Body: The Foundation of Optimal Health
Recovering: The Foundation for Rejuvenation and Longevity
