Sally Webb, Tablelands Sport & Spinal Physiotherapy
Inspired by Daniel Lieberman’s “Exercised” – made friendly by Tablelands Sports Spinal Physiotherapy!
Do you ever feel guilty for not wanting to exercise?
You’re not alone and you are not broken. We didn’t evolve to work out for fun… Our ancestors only moved when they had to; to hunt, gather, or escape danger. So if your brain prefers the couch, it’s doing exactly what it was designed to do!
But here’s the catch: in today’s world, movement is optional, and sitting is everywhere. That mismatch is making us stiff, sore, tired, and unwell.
The good news? We can retrain our brains and bodies to embrace movement and it doesn’t have to mean boot camps or burpees.
Here’s what the science tells us:
✔ Rest is natural, but too much rest causes problems. Hunter-gatherers rest often, but they also walk 5-15km a day doing life. Our bodies like to move in small, regular doses. Think: short walks, stretching, or even hanging out the washing or cleaning.
✔ You were built to move. Your muscles, bones, and even your sweat glands are designed for endurance. Movement helps regulate blood sugar, hormones, inflammation, and even your mood.
✔ It doesn’t take much to make a big difference. Just 150 minutes per week (- just over 20 mins a day ) of moderate activity (like brisk walking) reduces your risk of major diseases. You can spread it across the week and break it into chunks.
✔ Motivation is a myth. Systems are better. We’re not wired to seek out movement just for the sake of it. But we are wired for social connection, purpose, and routine. So: walk with a friend or join a walk group. Dance in the kitchen. Put it in your calendar.
✔ Exercise protects your brain and bones as you age. It boosts memory, improves sleep, strengthens muscles, and reduces your risk of falls, fractures, dementia, and depression.
If you need help finding the right exercise program – there are lots of different options to suit people of all levels. Physios can get you started and check what may be going on if you are struggling or have an injury.
Keep Moving and Stay positive !!
Sally Webb, Director at Tablelands Sport & Spinal Physiotherapy
Titled APA Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist (B.App.Sc (Physio), M.Hlth.Sci (Manipulative Physiotherapy))
Tablelands Sport & Spinal Physiotherapy are located at 177 Mort St Lithgow & 125 William St Bathurst. All enquiries contact 6352 3131.
