Walking, Climbing, and More: How Daily Movement Shapes Our Health

 

Episode Title: Walking, Climbing, and More: How Daily Movement Shapes Our Health

Episode Number: 003

Release Date: August 27, 2024

Hosts: Allison and Kimberly

 

Description:

The podcast explores the significance of embracing natural, fluid movement in our daily lives, encouraging a shift away from structured exercise to a more dynamic approach to physical activity. Practical tips are provided for seamlessly integrating movement into everyday routines, making it a consistent and natural part of life. 

The conversation highlights the numerous physical benefits of regular movement, such as improved strength, flexibility, and overall health. Movement is also examined from a holistic perspective, considering its impact not only on the body but also on the mind and spirit, promoting a balanced and healthy lifestyle. The podcast delves into how movement can positively affect emotional well-being, helping to manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. 

Scientific insights are shared on how movement fosters connection within the body and with the surrounding environment, underscoring its role in human evolution and social bonding. The importance of movement in enhancing learning and cognitive development is also explored, suggesting that physical activity can improve focus and memory.  The podcast then examines how movement can spark creativity, encouraging new ways of thinking and problem-solving by engaging the body in dynamic activity. 

The discussion further explores how movement can bring people together, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose through group activities and communal practices. The podcast concludes with a call to action, challenging listeners to take up a movement challenge, integrating more natural movement into their lives and observing the positive changes it brings. 

 

Introducing Katy Bowman and Her Work 

Katy Bowman is a prominent biomechanist, author, and speaker known for her groundbreaking work in the field of movement and natural alignment. She advocates for a lifestyle that integrates movement into daily activities, rather than relegating it to a specific workout time. Her approach emphasizes the importance of varied, natural movements to enhance physical health and overall well-being. 

Katy has authored several books, including the bestseller Move Your DNA, which explores the impact of modern sedentary lifestyles on our bodies and how incorporating more natural movement can lead to better health. She is also the creator of the popular podcast, Move Your DNA, where she shares insights on movement, alignment, and health, often featuring expert interviews and practical tips. 

Katy Bowman’s work extends beyond just exercise; she encourages people to rethink how they engage with their environment, making small changes that can lead to big improvements in health. Her teachings cover a wide range of topics, from the benefits of walking barefoot to the importance of incorporating squatting into daily life. 

For more information, you can visit her official website, where you can find her blog, resources, and more about her programs. Katy is also active on social media platforms: 

• Instagram: @nutritiousmovement 

• Twitter: @NutritiousM 

• Facebook: Nutritious Movement 

You can listen to her podcast Move Your DNA on various platforms, including Apple Podcasts. 

 

Introducing Tony Riddle and His Work 

Tony Riddle is a natural lifestyle coach, ultra-endurance athlete, and advocate for living in harmony with our environment. Known as "The Natural Lifestylist," Tony has dedicated his life to helping people reconnect with their natural state through practices that include natural movement, mindful living, and sustainable habits. His work emphasizes the importance of aligning modern living with ancient human practices to achieve better physical, mental, and emotional well-being. 

Tony's approach to health and wellness is holistic, integrating not only movement but also sleep, nutrition, and connection with nature. He is widely recognized for his feats of endurance, such as running the length of Great Britain barefoot, which highlights the human body's natural capabilities when properly conditioned and aligned. 

Tony shares his philosophy and insights through various platforms, including his book, Be More Human, where he delves into how modern life has distanced us from our natural state and offers practical solutions to realign with our innate human abilities. His teachings encourage people to make small, incremental changes that lead to profound improvements in health and lifestyle. 

For more information on Tony Riddle's work, you can visit his official website, where you'll find resources, programs, and details about his coaching services. Tony is also active on social media, where he shares tips, inspiration, and insights: 

• Instagram: @thenaturallifestylist 

• Twitter: @Tony_Riddle 

• Facebook: Tony Riddle 

You can listen to his podcast, The Natural Lifestylist, available on Apple Podcasts and other platforms, where Tony discusses a wide range of topics related to natural living, featuring interviews with experts and practical advice for integrating natural principles into everyday life. 

 

References for This Episode: 

1. Exercise and Cognitive Function: 

• "Exercise counteracts declining hippocampal function in aging and Alzheimer's disease" 
  PubMed 
  This study explores how regular exercise can mitigate the decline in hippocampal function associated with aging and Alzheimer's disease. 

2. Exercise and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF): 

• "A meta-analytic review of the effects of exercise on brain-derived neurotrophic factor" 
  NCBI 
  This meta-analysis reviews the positive effects of exercise on BDNF levels, which are crucial for brain health and cognitive function. 

• "Exercise improves depression through positive modulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). A review based on 100 manuscripts over 20 years" 
  Frontiers in Physiology 
  This comprehensive review discusses how exercise positively influences depression by modulating BDNF levels, synthesizing findings from over 100 manuscripts. 

3. Neuroanatomy and Altered States of Consciousness: 

• "Functional neuroanatomy of altered states of consciousness: The transient hypofrontality hypothesis" 
  PDF Download 
  This paper presents the transient hypofrontality hypothesis, which relates altered states of consciousness to changes in brain function during exercise. 

4. Exercise, Memory, and Non-Exercise Movement (NEAT): 

• "Exercise counteracts declining hippocampal function in aging and Alzheimer's disease" 
  PubMed 
  This study is emphasized again for its importance in supporting hippocampal health, especially in aging populations. 

• "The Role of Exercise in Enhancing Learning and Memory" 
  APA Journal Article 
  This article explores how physical activity contributes to improved learning and memory. 

• "The Impact of Physical Activity on Cognitive Function" 
  ScienceDirect 
  A detailed examination of the connection between physical activity and cognitive performance. 

• Additional Insights on NEAT: 

• "Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT) and Health" 
  Verywell Fit 
  This article highlights how daily activities, such as cooking or walking, significantly contribute to calorie expenditure and overall health beyond structured exercise routines. NEAT is linked to reduced risks of metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular events, and other health benefits. 

• "NEAT 101: The Benefits of Non-exercise Activity" 
  Revelation Wellness 
  This guide emphasizes the importance of integrating small, non-exercise movements throughout the day to improve health, reduce sedentary behavior, and enhance overall well-being. 

• "NEAT and Your Health" 
  Dr. Scott Lear 
  Discusses the broader implications of NEAT on health, including reducing the risk of heart disease and improving metabolic rates. The article also provides practical tips for increasing NEAT in daily life, such as fidgeting, using stairs, and standing while working. 

5. NEAT and Children: 

• "The Benefits of Movement for Youth: a Whole Child Approach" 
  Springer Link 
  This paper synthesizes studies on how regular movement, including non-exercise activities, can improve youth health, cognition, and academic performance. It highlights the importance of integrating movement into children's daily routines to support their overall development. 

• "Physical Activity and Academic Performance in School-Age Children: A Systematic Review" 
  MDPI 
  This review discusses the significant impact of physical activity, including NEAT, on cognitive function and academic achievement in children. It suggests that regular, varied physical activities can enhance both mental and physical health, leading to better academic outcomes.