Paleo Exercise

Exercise was once a way of life — not something for which we had to carve out time in our schedules. Modern exercise programs don't always provide the functional rehabilitation, physical education or mental stimulation we need or were made for. Paleo exercise programs provide numerous benefits by encouraging natural human movement skills, including:

• balancing
• breathing
• carrying
• climbing
• crawling
• grappling (like a wrestler)
• lifting
• running
• striking (for self-defense)
• swimming and other aquatic skills
• throwing
• walking

Paleo exercise programs are coaching methods that emphasize progression, safety and scalability. The goal is fostering a mind-body connection in an effort to maintain optimal health, fitness and overall well-being.

Paleo exercise programs are available via workshops and retreats throughout the country. However, you can incorporate many natural movements into your daily routine (keeping in mind common safety measures) such as:

• completing long stretches after waking in the morning
• going for a run or swim
• lying on a mat and doing deep abdominal breathing, completing four-second inhales and exhales
• playing around with your furniture layout and moving pieces around
• taking a long walk — maybe increasing the level of difficulty by tackling a few hills

These moves don't have to be hard. The objective is to exercise using natural movements to promote your health and wellness.

Talk with your doctor before starting any new exercise regimen to make sure it's a safe exercise program for you based on your age, medical history and individual risk factors.

You know the great benefits that come from exercise: a boosted mood, better sleep, reduced anxiety and overall health. However, sometimes knowing these rewards isn't enough to get us motivated. To make exercise part of your routine, it's important to have a positive mindset and take a smart approach. Here are five quick tips for getting started and staying active:

1. Choose a form of exercise you enjoy so you'll keep doing it.
2. Make exercise part of your routine by marking it on your daily agenda.
3. Set realistic goals, and hold yourself accountable for reaching them.
4. Start slow and gradually increase the frequency and level of your workout.
5. Treat yourself with a reward — such as a hot bath or a hot tea — for being active.

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