It doesn't take much to choose better movement habits.
How well do you move? Do you have pain or discomfort that wasn’t there before? How about tightness, soreness, or loss of feeling in a particular body part?
If you have one or more of these issues, you probably are unable to do all the things you want to do. Your body is designed to move freely without limitations or restrictions. Over time, your body absorbs and compensates for the impact you put it through in your daily life.
The fractured thumb. The tweaked knee, The hours spent at a computer or watching TV in your favorite chair.
The toll injuries and body positioning have on your movement add up over time. That’s why building better movement habits is key to maintaining and regaining your mobility.
Changing your movement habits don’t require an “all-or-nothing” approach. In fact, by trying to do everything at one, you’ll burn out, feel overwhelmed, and ultimately give up. Instead, start by adding small movements into your daily routine.
One of our favorites to add into your day is going for a walk. Down the driveway, around the block, around the office building, or even to the other end of the house and back. It really doesn’t matter where or for how long. The key to building a walking movement habit — stand up and move your feet on purpose.
In addition to the obvious physical or fitness-related benefits walking provides, you’ll counteract the negative effects sitting has. Walking helps stretch your muscles and loosens your joints that have been scrunched and folded up while you sit in a chair.
If you need more reasons to walk, studies show that walking can improve your mental health, increase energy levels, and reduce stress.
If you’re having problems with your mobility and reaching your movement potential — walk it out!
For those that want some extra motivation and accountability, schedule a call with Dr. Samantha to discuss how we can help you reduce your body’s pain or discomfort, regain mobility, and build the knowledge and skills you need to meet your movement goals.
Walk at least 3 times a week.
It doesn’t matter how far or how long, but do it with intention and purpose.