Get Moving the Primal Way: A Blueprint for Better Fitness
Movement is crucial in maintaining overall physical health and mobility
Many people do not move enough or in diverse ways for optimal fitness
Primal movement, inspired by our ancestors, is a recommended approach to fitness
Primal movement involves slow and fast movements through various planes
The Primal Blueprint emphasizes frequent movement
This lifestyle can prevent chronic health issues
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s so easy to forget about movement. You might think I'm talking about just moving from your couch to the fridge or the car to the office, but it's much more than that. Truth be told, movement, good ol' fashioned physical activity, is a pivotal part of leading a robust, joyous, and long life. Proper movement doesn’t just keep you physically fit, but it forms a solid foundation for optimal health and mobility.
How often have we pledged to hit 10,000 steps a day or to finally put that gym membership to use? More often than not, our well-intentioned plans don’t pan out, either due to moving too little or moving too much. Notably, we often neglect to move in diverse ways that actually make a difference to our fitness and longevity. That's where the concept of moving 'primal' way comes into play.
Philosophically speaking, primal movement harks back to the physical demands of our ancestors. The fittest of the fittest survived, with their physique naturally shaped by the gruelling environments they thrived and lived in. Their fitness wasn’t part of a New Year’s resolution or carefully crafted workout plan; it was simply the by-product of survival. Yet, in today's digital age, physical demands are far less taxing, and fitness requires a proactive approach.
When I set out to formulate the Primal Blueprint, this historical context was top of mind. Inspired by our ancestors who moved aplenty and in myriad ways, it was clear that our genetics have not strayed far from these roots. Our bodies still crave motion in diverse dimensions. From slow, meandering strides to quickened sprints, our physique was crafted for it all. The balance, strength, and power exhibited by our forebears serve as a testament to their dynamic movement practices.
From the Primal Blueprint's ten laws, four focus on movement. Why, you might wonder? Because it's genuinely that important! One law specifically directs us to 'Move frequently'. We're encouraged to reinstate our ancestors' practice of spending several hours a day moving at a slow pace. Their daily hustle – hunting, gathering, wandering, and so on, established robust cardiovascular systems, strengthened muscles and bones, and conditioned the body to burn fat for energy.
Modern sedentary lifestyles stray away from these ancient practices. However, our genes, deeply rooted in the millennia of biological evolution, still yearn for regular movement to keep chronic health issues at bay.
From a personal trainer’s perspective...
Right, are you still with me? Good, let's get on with it then. Being a personal trainer hailing from Liverpool, where football is in the blood, you tend to view things a bit differently. The primal blueprint resonates because it champions natural movement—a concept near and dear to my heart.
It's significant to remember that our ancestors honed their incredible physique not by spending hours at the gym but by incorporating a variety of practical movements into their daily lives. So shouldn't we take a leaf out of their book?
As your trainer, I'd encourage you to blend the old with the new, embrace the primal movement methods while acknowledging the conveniences of modern living. You're not going to be hunting your food in Merseyside Park, but you can move frequently. Take breaks from your desk, stretch, walk, use the stairs—the small things add up. You don't have to completely rehaul your routine, just add variety. Get on the pitch, play some football or try a yoga class.
Remember, our bodies are hard-wired to move, and move a lot. So let's honour our primal roots and get moving, the Liverpudlian way! It's time to ditch the static lifestyle for good, and embrace a healthier, more dynamic life. So, are you ready to take the Primal Way to your best fitness yet?