Movement vs. Exercise
Why Both Matter (And why movement might be the missing piece)
When we talk about getting healthy, most people immediately think of exercise - running, structured workouts and classes. And these are important, especially for cardiovascular health and even mental clarity. Strength training in particular is a non-negotiable, especially as we age, since we start to lose muscle mass - a process called sarcopenia- in our 30s and it only accelerates in our 40s and 50s.
Strength training is essential in order to:
Preserve and build lean muscle
Boost your resting metabolism
Protect your bones
Improve balance and coordination
But here’s what often gets missed: It’s not just what you do during your workout - it’s how you move your body the other 23 hours of the day that really adds up.
Do you remember as a child literally running everywhere. I watch in awe as kids outside run instead of walking to get from point A to point B. As adults, for most of us, we become more and more sedentary. More time behind desks, working on computers, scrolling online. Those running toddlers we used to chase are independent and driving… and our total daily movement decreases.
The good news is that you don’t need to commit to a rigid regimen or intense schedule to move the needle. We just need to increase our movement throughout the day! So walk the dog, clean the kitchen, garden, run up and down the stairs to put things away, dance in your living room, stretch while you prepare breakfast. It’s the unglamorous, but essential activities that keeps our metabolism humming and our energy steady.
Incorporating more movement throughout the day:
Increases daily energy burn and keeps your metabolism active all day long.
Supports blood sugar regulation. Movement after meals (even a short walk) helps lower blood glucose levels, reducing insulin spikes and energy crashes - especially important in midlife.
Improves digestion - gentle movement like walking or stretching can support gut health and reduce bloating.
Boosts circulation and reduces stiffness - Moving regularly keeps blood flowing, joints lubricated, and muscles more pliable which is important for reducing aches and inflammation.
Elevates mood and reduces stress - any form of movement - especially outside, can lower cortisol and boost endorphins.
Helps maintain a healthy weight - all forms of movement throughout the day contribute to energy expenditure and metabolism health.
The Bottom line is that exercise is powerful, but movement is foundational. Together they create a lifestyle that will keep you strong and energized. So start lifting those weights. Do the workout. But also… take the stairs, park farther away, go for a walk.
It all counts. And it all matters.