Long before treadmills and fitness trackers, movement was simply a part of life. Our ancestors didn’t schedule workouts; they moved throughout their days with purpose. Whether they were sprinting to catch dinner, hauling water from the stream, or building shelters, their bodies stayed strong because movement was an integral part of everyday survival.
Fast forward to now, and we can still see this instinct towards movement - just watch any child for five minutes. They jump, spin, squirm, and sprint like movement is their favorite language. That kind of playful, unstructured motion is the foundation for growing bodies.
But here’s the truth: we adults could benefit from reclaiming that natural approach to movement, too.
What Is Natural Movement?
Engaging your entire body in the way it was designed to move is better than working on isolated muscles at the gym. Lifting, throwing, sprinting, or crawling are functional movements that activate multiple muscle groups at the same time and support real-life strength.
Focusing too narrowly on single muscles can lead to imbalances and even pain. We especially see this in young athletes who develop overuse injuries because they aren’t strengthening or stretching holistically.
So let’s shift our thinking. It’s time to ditch the idea that movement has to be structured or intense to be worthwhile.
Everyday Movement
You don’t need hours or equipment to get your body moving - just a little intentionality. Try these simple tweaks to bring more natural movement into your day:
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Park at the far end of the parking lot
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Stand up during phone calls
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Go barefoot outside to engage new muscles
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Take the stairs whenever possible
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Carry your kiddo instead of using the stroller
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Shop with a basket, not a cart
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Play chase or tag with your kids
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Sit on the floor while reading or watching TV
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Crank the music and dance around the house
Rediscover the Joy of Movement
Let’s break out of the “only-at-the-gym” mindset and bring movement back to our lives in joyful, functional ways. Think about how you moved as a kid - did you roll down a hill, balance on a curb, or skip down the sidewalk? You don’t have to do flips anymore (although kudos if you still can), but that playful spirit can live on!
If you loved sports back in the day, maybe a local class or group through the Warrenville Park District would be just the thing to rekindle that spark. They have a bunch of group classes for children and adults. I've also really enjoyed playing Pickleball during their open court time.
I’d love to hear how you’re incorporating fun, functional movement into your life! If you are struggling with this, let's brainstorm together at your next appointment.
Dr. Jamie
P.S.