Getting enough movement today is not so easy. Yet humans are "movement animals" developed over many millions of years.
Unlike our ancestors, we spend little time hunting and gathering food today. Many people drive to shop and work. There, they spend the day sitting in the office. Often, the evening goes straight to the couch. Movement? None at all!
Today, people move on average about 70% less than 100 years ago. And this can have far-reaching consequences for health.
Possible consequences of lack of movement for the musculoskeletal system:
- Movement stimulates the regeneration of joint cartilage and the production of joint lubricant. Conversely, lack of movement promotes cartilage damage.
- Many joints are stabilized by muscles. Insufficiently trained muscles cause joints to be improperly or excessively stressed.
- Muscles themselves also tend to cramp if they are not regularly strengthened and supplied with blood through movement.