The importance of movement was reinforced this weekend after taking Chain Reaction 3D, Assessment and Application of Movement with Gary Gray of the Gray Institute.

We should move most of the day. More specifically, move in many different patterns and directions, not just our through our path of least resistance.  We need to branch out and challenge our minds and bodies to create and utilize new patterns, (even while sitting!). My body has not felt that sore, and yet mobile after completing 2 of Gary Gray’s workouts which utilize all 3 planes of motion: Frontal, Sagital, and Transverse.

Not sure which move I was starting or finishing, but having fun in the sun on the beach.

Not only for you, but moving is important for your children as well. Especially this day and age where the “cool” kids have the latest technology, which involves sitting. What ever happened to Tag?? Running, Sprinting in all kinds of directions. As adults, we also sit a lot. If you have an ear to the ground you have heard how sitting can lead to all kinds of health issues. And we attempt to move and exercise, but most of the time it is the same type of motion and same types of exercises.

So let’s get out of our ruts, and paths of least resistance, which create deeper ruts.  For those of you moving in the strengthening world take the lunge. In a previous post I hinted that there are many variations to this one move. This weekend Gary Gray blew me out of my box, and demonstrated that there are hundreds of variations to this one move. For example, changing which direction your lead foot moves, how wide apart your feet are, stagger you stance, add in arm movements of the same or opposite direction. If try any of those you will immediately notice where you place your arms during the movement can create an active stretch in the Frontal, Sagital, or Transverse plane.

While sitting at work, when you coworker is not looking (or maybe while they are) move. Slide your chair away from your desk just a little bit and reach for a pen. Next week slide away further. And the week after slide away at an angle.

Start your movements small, and as you succeed gradually add more length or a new direction. Your body will thank you by staying strong yet loose, preventing further injuries down the road.

Speaking of stretching while strengthening stay tuned because on Friday I will be inviting you to join a Yoga Challenge with Grow Soul Beautiful. Until then get moving!