“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better”.~ Albert Einstein
Have you ever wondered why it feels so great to move?
Me too. It turns out that it’s much more than increased blood flow and endorphins.
Neuroscience explains that we are hardwired to move. When we move, not only do we elevate levels of endorphins and endocannabinoids, making pain diminish and joy elevate, but we also create more receptors for these chemicals. This means we elevate our ability to feel less pain and more joy throughout our lives. These elevate our feelings of connection to others, love and a sense of community.
We elevate epinephrine, and adrenaline making us alert, focused and sharp.
We elevate dopamine, activating our reward centers in the brain, making us feel successful and powerful.
We elevate serotonin, creating feelings of well being, security, and peace.
We elevate myokines, chemical messengers which cross the blood brain barrier (BBB), leading the brain to release BDNF. The liver responds to exercise by releasing the ketone, beta hydroxybutyrate, which crosses the BBB to also stimulate BDNF.
Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is like Miracle Gro for the brain, stimulating new neurons to grow and enhancing connections between neurons. This amounts to bigger, better brains and nervous systems when we move!
We become smarter, energized, resilient and happier! These effects are both immediate, and cumulative, leading to enhanced cognitive reserve over a lifetime.
When we practice skills based movement with a keen awareness to our internal environment (interoception) such as pilates, ballet, or martial arts, we amplify the brain’s ability to focus on the present moment. This elevates levels of stress resilience, peak performance and joy.
Those are big rewards for daily investments in movement.
Thank you to the incredible leaders in research, medicine and education who are teaching the power of movement to generate thriving health physically and mentally. Among them, some all stars include:
*Dr. Kelly McGonical, Stanford University, author of The Joy of Movement
*Dr. Dale Bredesen, UCLA MD, author of The End of Alzheimer’s
*Dr. John Ratey, Harvard MD, author of Spark, The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain
*Andrew Huberman, Professor of Neurobiology and Ophthamology, Stanford University.
*Dr. Wendy Suzuki, New York University, author of Healthy Brain, Happy Life.
*Mark Sisson, author of The Primal Blueprint and so many other NYTimes Bestsellers, creator of http://www.marksdailyapple.com, and leader of the Primal Health revolution!
Enjoy moving into your health, power, and joy!
Best always,
Jennifer
Disclaimer; Coaching services and information on this site include education, guidance and tips on primal living and generally healthy movement. I am not a medical doctor and services are not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription that a physician, licensed dietitian, physical therapist or health care professional might recommend.
Jennifer Beamer's Empower Pilates Malibu 