Move It or Lose It: The Importance of Physical Fitness

Throughout most of human history, survival required constant physical activity. For thousands of years, we hunted and gathered for food, walked or traveled miles to find water and could only interact with others in person. 

This was long before cars, grocery stores, delivery services, or fast food. Physical labor was woven into daily life, so the idea of “working out” was unnecessary.

Today, everything has changed. We can order food and buy water, meet people and enjoy entertainment from the comfort of our couch. We now travel by car, plane, or train, and many jobs require Americans to sit for hours. 

With physical effort removed from our routines, the concept of “exercise” had to be invented. Simply put, we don’t move nearly as much as we should.

Why Movement Matters

Newton’s first law states that an object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion. This is true for the human body as well. When we do not move our bodies for long periods of time, our bodies attempt to maintain that state. Extended inactivity leads to inflammation, weight gain, muscle atrophy, and loss of bone density. Left unchecked, these changes contribute to serious medical conditions — obesity, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and more.

Alternatively, when we do exercise consistently, we avoid many of these issues and can enjoy a longer life expectancy. A body in motion seeks to stay in motion.

Factually speaking, when we don’t use it, we most definitely will lose it!

The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that adults should have a minimum of two and half hours of moderately intense exercise each week. 

When we exercise: 

1. We decrease our risks of heart disease significantly (heart disease is the leading cause of death for human beings)
2. We improve our immune systems (a stronger immune systems make us less prone to infections and disease)
3. Mental health is improved (the risks of depression and anxiety decrease with exercise)
4. Our nervous system functions better, regulating our emotions, pain management and reducing the risks of neurological disorders
5. Risk of almost all forms of cancer decreases
6. Risk of Type 2 diabetes decreases
7. Metabolic syndromes decrease (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, etc.)

While this list is not exhaustive, it effectively demonstrates why exercise is fundamental to our existence. The benefits of exercise cannot be overstated. Even short bursts of activity — climbing stairs, brisk walking, or quick home workouts — can slash heart attack and stroke risk by over 40%.

Our ancestors didn’t need diets, weight, or gyms to exercise; they moved out of necessity. In today’s sedentary world, we must consciously make time for movement to preserve our health, well-being, and longevity.

Sincerely,

Dr. Calvina Ellerbe

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