Our Brain Evolved for One Thing Only: Movement

According to leading neuroscientist Dr Daniel Wolpert, we have a brain for one reason and one reason only: ‘To produce adaptable and complex movements’.

Movement is the only way we have to affect the world around us.

Traditional dualistic thinking that predominated the nineteenth and twentieth centuries led us to believe that the brain and body were separate, with the brain as a master to perceive the world or to think, and the body to move. This reductionist thinking still predominates many of our approaches to fitness, rehabilitation and of course, movement. By doing so we have limited the effectiveness of our programmes by not recognising the mutual interdependency of body and mind.

For example, the cerebellum is located at the back of the brain and is often referred to as the brain inside the brain. Its sole role is dedicated to coordinated movement, posture, balance, fine motor control and motor learning. This small area is densely populated with neurons, known as 'granule cells', which account for 80 per cent of the total neurons in the whole brain, but only about 10 per cent of its volume!

So, 80% of our brain power is dedicated to movement, this is what we are designed to do, our brain (and body) needs complex movement skills to remain nourished and healthy.

Yet we continue to live in a period of movement skill poverty and move with less skill, volume and complexity than ever before in our history. We tend to choose single-capacity specialisations with a very narrow skill base for our health/fitness and recovery. There is nothing wrong with developing capacities, but how do we then nurture our brain and body's requirements for complex movement and variability?

It’s time to look back to our evolutionary development and integrate natural movement training in addition to our more traditional training.

The Natural Method

EMBRACING THE JOURNEY: RELEARNING NATURAL MOVEMENT AND LIFESTYLE FOR A BALANCED LIFE

In the fast-paced modern world, where technology has infiltrated every aspect of our lives, the importance of natural movement and natural lifestyle often takes a backseat. As a society, we find ourselves confined to desks, hunched over screens, and disconnected from our bodies.

The natural method is a radical change to the way we frame and approach physical activity and its impact on our overall well-being.

WE ARE CREATING A MOVEMENT RE-EVOLUTION.

This profound shift encourages individuals to reconnect with their bodies more mindfully, embrace ancestral movement patterns, reconnect with nature and regain the freedom that comes with moving and living how you were designed to.

THE CONCEPT

Reclaiming your natural movement begins with rediscovering and waking up the fundamental movements that govern our body's mechanics and capabilities, movements that are deeply imprinted in your DNA. It involves rediscovering basic human movements such as crawling, squatting, running, jumping, climbing and balancing that you once mastered as a child. Whether you are returning from injury, have lost your movement confidence or just want to learn a way of fitness that is more natural, by consciously engaging in these innate movement patterns, we can re-establish a solid foundation for physical well-being and optimal functionality.

Much of our work at Move Well is influenced by the MOVNAT natural movement philosophy and system.

THE MIND-BODY CONNECTION

Relearning natural movement goes beyond mere physical exercise. It nourishes the mind-body connection, allowing us to tap into our innate wisdom and awareness. Through mindful and playful movement practices in nature, individuals can explore and embrace the deep mental connection between movement and our natural environment. This heightened awareness fosters a sense of self-care, optimal function and mental well-being to enhance recovery, decrease injury, move with better efficiency and make a better connection with nature.

ENHANCING STRENGTH AND RESILIENCE

Our bodies are designed to adapt and evolve. By incorporating strength training exercises that mimic natural movements, individuals can develop functional strength and increase resilience. Movements such as lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling empower us to handle real-world tasks with ease. By embracing weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, and functional training, we rebuild muscle imbalances and promote a more efficient and balanced musculoskeletal system.

INFUSING PLAYFULNESS AND CREATIVITY

Relearning natural movement invites us to rediscover the joyful nature of physical play. This infusion of playfulness reignites youthful energy, ignites our sense of adventure, and sparks creativity, all while promoting moving well and maintaining a healthy body.

EMBRACING THE OUTDOORS

Relearning natural movement invigorates our connection with nature. By taking our movement outside, we are exposed to varied natural stimulation that challenge our bodies and minds in unique and natural ways. Moving in and reconnecting with Jersey’s amazing natural spaces and places provides opportunities to engage in natural movement while benefiting from fresh air, increased vitamin D intake, and the mental well-being that comes from being immersed in nature.

THE TAKE AWAY

Integrating natural movements into our daily routine not only enhances physical fitness but also nurtures our mental well-being, strengthens our resilience, and fosters a profound sense of connection with both ourselves and the world around us. So, join us and embark on this transformative journey of uncovering your natural movement together, one step at a time, and transform your relationship with movement, health and nature.

Get Out There!

There's no better way to help than to get out and experience nature for yourself.

Why not visit one of Jersey’s world-leading nature sites and get practising some nautral movement? It can be a simple as walking the railway track all the way up to coasteering!

Lose yourself and play with movement in our amazing green a blue spaces!