How Much Do You Value Movement in Your Life?
Introduction: The Underrated Gift of Movement
For many, the value of movement in their lives often becomes apparent only when it's temporarily taken away due to an injury or an unexpected musculoskeletal condition. It's during these challenging moments that the significance of movement, both physically and emotionally, truly shines through. Consider the last time you experienced lower back pain that left you unable to perform your daily tasks. The desire to regain pain-free mobility and the freedom to move without discomfort became invaluable to you.
The Comfort Zone and Its Impact on Movement
The perplexing question is why this cycle of painful episodes persists throughout our lives. We often find ourselves moving from one painful incident to another, with the sincere intention of restoring and maintaining pain-free movement. Yet, we somehow return to our familiar and comfortable routines, which often involve activities like hitting that daily 10,000-step goal, going to the gym for a favorite workout, performing daily stretches, or participating in fitness classes.
So, what motivates you to exercise and move throughout the day? Are you simply going through the motions, checking off each activity on your list? These questions prompt us to reflect on our true motivation and, more importantly, how much attention we pay to our bodies during these activities—our body awareness.
The Power of Body Awareness
Body awareness arises from the interplay between the input of environmental information to your brain and your body's response to it. It's much like having sophisticated sensors in your car, warning you of potential issues before they become crises. In the context of movement, we all understand the importance of moving more throughout the day, akin to ensuring your car has enough gas and regular oil changes.
However, less emphasized is the quality of your movement—the how and why of your movements. This aspect is similar to performing the manufacturer-recommended maintenance on your vehicle. How you move and your awareness of those movements play a pivotal role in shaping your perception of the world around you. Enhanced body awareness empowers you to notice subtle changes within your body and respond to them effectively, reducing the likelihood of painful musculoskeletal episodes.
Developing Better Body Awareness
So, how can you nurture this essential skill of body awareness and improve your movement instincts? A great starting point is to deepen your understanding of the structural and functional organization of your body. Apply these principles to your daily activities. Remember the core kinetic chain (CKC) we discussed earlier in this series? Utilize this knowledge to observe how your body interacts with its environment and itself.
Incorporate intent into your movements, whether you're walking, sitting, or engaging in your favorite fitness class. Take time to recall and observe your body's relationship with its surroundings and within itself, focusing on the CKC.
Conclusion: Embrace the Journey
The journey towards better body awareness and improved movement management skills is ongoing. It's about valuing movement not only as a means to an end but as an intrinsic part of your well-being. By infusing intention and attention into your daily activities, you can unlock the potential for pain-free, functional, and enjoyable movement.
Feel free to share your experiences and insights; your feedback is a valuable compass in shaping future discussions on your movement practice and overall physical health and well-being.
Until next time, embrace the gift of movement in your life and the transformation it can bring.
Rick
