Today, we've lost the benefit of natural movement with the help of all kinds of machines working for us-everything from escalators and elevators to moving sidewalks at the airport. We drive to the grocery store, light gas fireplaces, and move into pre-built homes. When was the last time you walked to the grocery store? With each passing day it seems like there are more reasons not to move.
But, your body was built to move. Every single function, from the pulsing of your cells to the beating of your heart to the coursing of blood through your veins, is driven by movement. The systems that govern how well your body operates only work their best when you're in motion. Body size, strength, flexibility, and energy are all improved by daily movement.
Any talk of adding more movement to your life has to begin with walking, the original form of transportation. It's been with us as long as humans have been able to stand upright. Walking also remains the easiest and most effective form of movement to build into your day.
Walking involves nearly every system in your body. And it's not very strenuous. Unlike running, you can walk for hours. Any walk, from gently strolling around the yard to hiking up a hill, delivers powerful benefits to your body. It's something you can do anytime, anywhere. You don't even need to break a sweat to improve your health.
Incorporating movement into your day is only step one of the process. Step two is to steadily add more strenuous movement to your life as you become fit. Properly done, exercise is positive stress on the body. It compels you to strive, to push further, to do more. When you feel fit you'll want to test your limits. Go for it!
