THE IMPORTANCE OF MOVEMENT 

We are now more than midway through the first month of the 2023. It seems that starting a diet and exercise regime is top on the list for many in their attempt to adopt healthier diet and lifestyle practices in the new year. However, this is also the time a lot of people fall off the wagon, so to speak, of sticking to their new year’s resolutions. I think it’s important not to shame yourself for lack of follow through on your goals. Mindset is so important in any wellness regime, so focusing on how you can lovingly make sustainable and positive efforts in the direction of why you set the goal in the first place is key. Your motivation must be based on the big “why” you are doing it. Keep going back to your "why" and see where you may have ambivalence about changing. I think honoring commitments you make to yourself is important and helps you to feel better about yourself. Unfortunately, as we know we don’t always keep the promises we make to ourselves. I believe people need to hold themselves accountable for their healing, and it’s important to have someone who can therapeutically partner with them for additional support. I feel my work with clients helps support them in remembering why they set the goal in the first place. I often help my clients problem solve what may be getting in the way of achieving their goals toward greater health. I aim to inspire, educate and encourage supporting modifiable diet and lifestyle changes so they can honor their intentions for a healthier life.

Let’s face it, in addition to the health promoting benefits of eliminating crap food, stress and toxins from one's life, people are aware that regular physical activity is good for their health. It can help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. Also, regular physical activity helps boost immunity in autoimmune conditions and can relieve stress and make you feel good.

As a Functional Nutrition Counselor, exercise & movement is one of the basic core skills group that I counsel my clients on incorporating into their routines and help them track for better health outcomes. It is a foundational aspect of whole person wellness. The human body is designed to move and a sedentary lifestyle completely on its' own promotes disease. For some struggling with autoimmunity, low energy, pain and fatigue issues it may mean cutting back on high intensity exercises. This is particularly true if they find they are taking a long time to recover from their current exercise routine or they aren’t feeling well. Instead, incorporating gentle exercise and movement consistently into their routine may be warranted. It takes an individualized approach to find what is the “right” type of exercise for a person and that exercise becomes a habit and part of their daily regimen. Working with a physical therapist or personal trainer to assist you with your wellness goals may also be helpful for additional support to know what will work for you and your body's needs. 

Check out this article for more information and tips about movement practices. The link below is an article from the New England Center for Functional Medicine about the benefits of regular physical exercise, how to make it a priority and the different types you can engage in.

https://necfunctionalmedicine.com/2020/09/03/exercise/

Here's one from the Institute for Functional Medicine on the benefits of stretching, balance training and core conditioning. 

 https://www.ifm.org/news-insights/flexibility-for-improved-physiology-and-health/

Also, included for my fellow autoimmune warriors is a great online program I recently found about through The Phoenix Helix Podcast. https://www.phoenixhelix.com/media/

Autoimmune Strong is a local western Massachusetts resource. It’s a first and only online program developed for people with chronic pain by someone with chronic pain. Maybe you or someone you know could benefit from a program like this.

https://www.getautoimmunestrong.com/exercise?gclid=CjwKCAiAzp6eBhByEiwA_gGq5JEK92Dkc0ojz3ifgIjAiuNhSuIWFWqGLWtN6KbRmLHQABm0Yr4Z2xoCRA0QAvD_BwE

Find out more about how my Functional Nutrition Counseling services may help support you with this crucial lifestyle component as well as other modifiable lifestyle practices to enhance your healthspan and heal chronic illness.