I know this isn't a new idea or anything, but it is a really important one, hence why I'm putting it out there. As a society, we are becoming more sedentary, our children aren't getting outdoors and moving as much as they used to and there are many consequences to this.

Moving your body daily is crucial for your physical and mental well-being. Regular exercise has a plethora of benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, stronger bones and muscles, better sleep, and increased energy levels. It can also help alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression.

Let me dive a little deeper so we can explore these three main reasons why you should move your body daily. Plus I'll give you with some simple strategies to incorporate daily movement into your life.

Physical Health Benefits

I know this is an obvious one, but it's still worth going into. The physical benefits of daily movement go far beyond building muscle or fat loss to achieve a certain look. It is critical to your longevity as well as lowering your risk of a number of diseases. Let's take a further look.

Improved Cardiovascular Health

One of the most significant physical health benefits of daily movement is improved cardiovascular health. When you exercise, your heart rate increases, which means that your heart is working harder to pump blood throughout your body. This increased blood flow helps to strengthen your heart and blood vessels, which in turn can reduce your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and a number of cancers.

In a study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, researchers said that even just 11 minutes a day of moderate-intensity physical activity (hello brisk walk), would be sufficient enough to enjoy these health benefits.

Stronger Bones and Muscles

Another physical health benefit of daily movement is stronger bones and muscles. When you engage in weight-bearing activities like walking, jogging, or weightlifting, you put stress on your bones and muscles, which stimulates the growth of new tissue.

This is especially important as we age, as this can lead to stronger bones and muscles, which can reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis and other age-related conditions.

Better Sleep

Daily movement can also improve your sleep quality. When you exercise, your body temperature rises, and your muscles become more relaxed, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Exercise has also been shown to reduce the symptoms of sleep disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea.

Mental Health Benefits

I move my body daily. It is a habit I have developed over the years and unless I am really sick, I will never miss a day. This daily movement is just as important for my mental health as it is my physical health.

Once I've exercised, my mood is better, my head feels more clear and I feel GOOD! I'm ready to tackle the day. Let me share a few more reasons why daily movement is so good for your mental health.

Alleviates Stress and Anxiety

Daily movement can also have significant mental health benefits, including the alleviation of stress and anxiety. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which are natural chemicals that make you feel good. These endorphins can help to reduce stress and anxiety, and improve your mood.

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Boosts Self-Confidence

Exercise can also boost your self-confidence. When you engage in regular physical activity, you may notice improvements in your body composition, strength, and overall health. These improvements can help to boost your self-confidence and self-esteem, which can have a positive impact on all areas of your life.

Plus you just feel good when you know you're looking after your body.

Reduces Symptoms of Depression

In addition to alleviating stress and anxiety, daily movement can also reduce the symptoms of depression. Exercise has been shown to increase the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which can improve your mood and reduce feelings of sadness and hopelessness.

Even just getting up and taking a short brisk walk (remember, you just need 11 minutes!), can make a huge difference in your mood.

Simple Strategies for Incorporating Daily Movement

It's easy for me to say, hey everyone....here are the reasons you need to move your body! But that's a little unfair if I don't give you some tips to create that habit if you don't already have it in place right? I've been moving my body every day for years and let me tell you, that just didn't happen over night.

My movement routine has been refined over the years and I'm still updating it based on how I feel or what I'm into. Below are a couple of strategies to help you set up your daily movement.

Set Realistic Goals

One of the keys to incorporating daily movement into your life is to set realistic goals. We're just not going to start with a half marathon or deadlifting 50kgs okay?

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Start small and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your workouts. For example, you might start by taking a 10-minute walk each day and gradually increase the duration to 30 minutes.

Make It Fun

Another strategy for incorporating daily movement is to make it fun. Find activities that you enjoy, such as dancing, swimming, or playing a sport, and incorporate them into your daily routine. When you enjoy the activity, you're more likely to stick with it.

I recently discovered how much I love skipping and once my kids are older, I want to start taking hip hop classes.

Find a Workout Buddy

It's super easy to underestimate having an accountability partner (hello that's what a coach is for!). Having a workout buddy can help you to stay motivated and accountable. Find a friend or family member who shares your interest in fitness and commit to working out together regularly.

My favourite way to work out is with my biz bestie Danni from The Figure. She has an incredible group called The Figure Babes which has five live workouts every week (I teach yoga live on Wednesday mornings) and I'll also be taking skipping on Saturdays soon.

Whilst it's all working out from home, you can jump on live and chat with us or play them back at your leisure. It's my favourite way to move daily and you can find more info about it here.

Let me put a bow on this now...

Moving your body daily is essential for your physical and mental health (have I convinced you yet?). Regular exercise can help to improve your cardiovascular health, strengthen your bones and muscles, and improve your sleep quality. Sometimes all you need is just 11 minutes of brisk walking per day - the research doesn't lie!

Daily movement is also essential to our mental health. It can literally change your mood from bad to amazing while also alleviating stress and anxiety, boosting your self-confidence, and reducing the symptoms of depression.

If you don't already have some sort of daily movement routine, I implore you to please just start! Once you create that habit, you'll be reaping the benefits from years to come. Of course it you need any support, reach out. I'm just an email away.

Until next time,

Your Health Coach Bethany