Nov 5, 20213 min read

Physical Activity, Exercise and Movement

Updated: Apr 22

As a child, physical activity, exercise and movement are all important for our development but what about its importance for us as an adult?

There are a wide variety of opportunities available for children and adults to be active, from our everyday leisure activities to more high intensity sporting hobbies or pursuits. And whilst exercise obviously involves physical exertion, the intention of exercise is to promote physiological and health improvements.

There have been many studies done on the benefits of regular exercise and having a physically active lifestyle.

Research and science have demonstrated the close link between physical activity levels and health in both children and adults. A UK Chief Medical Officers' Physical Activity Guideline is regularly produced to track and report levels within the UK and give recommendations.

Change of Emphasis

The reasons for physical activity, exercise and movement vary dependent upon age, gender, ethnicity and lifestyle. But the importance and ability to be proactive in creating good health throughout a lifetime needs to be emphasised. Throughout our lives the demands on our time and responsibilities change and so too do the levels of physical activity and exercise. Advances in technology have changed our home and work environments, having an impact on our health and vitality.

Chronic and inflammatory conditions and symptoms are on the increase along with the amount of time spent being sedentary. Being aware of how you move, what is ideal for your body, the impact of the physical activities and exercises for you and enjoying what you do are important. As is learning to listen to your body and work with it rather than in spite of it.

Quality first

"It ain't what you do it's the way that you do it. It ain't what you do it's the time that you do it. It ain't how much you do but the quality when you do it, and that's what gets results."

It was a popular song and the words are very appropriate to exercising or in fact goal you are aiming for. Increasing your body sense, being mindful and listening to your body before, during and after exercise and activities are important ways that you can ensure a quality and level of activity that is appropriate for you and your body. Do you adapt and change your exercises, routines or activities depending on how you are feeling, the response of your body, energy levels and the time of day?

Doing an exercise correctly only a couple of times in a session is more beneficial to your body than doing it incorrectly many times. You want your body to learn and gain strength in the correct way, so becoming aware of how you move and what is working within your body is key.

What can you do?

Next time you are sitting in your car driving, preparing food, washing up, loading the dishwasher, at work, walking, waiting, making a drink notice how you are doing what you are doing with your body. Can you do it any other way, what happens if you do less or more?

When participating in a class notice how you and those around you are moving does it flow, is there an ease of movement, does it look awkward. If you are not sure, can you ask the instructor for more guidance?

The content of the classes I teach differs each week and the main goal is to coach and guide you to understand more about your body, how you need to move in that class, on that day and make changes needed for you. A private session can be tailored to include movement, massage, kinesiology and is informed by what you require.