In recent years, there has been a growing interest in primal movement – also known as primal exercise. This is a kind of exercise that mimics the movements our ancestors would have done daily.
From running and jumping to crawling and climbing, primal movement is based on natural, functional movements designed for our bodies. And several benefits come with this type of exercise.
From improved joint health and increased mobility to increased strength and improved cardiovascular health, there are many reasons why everyone should be doing primal movement. Keep reading as we explore the benefits of primal movement in more detail.
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What is primal movement?
Primal movement focuses on the essential, natural movements our ancestors would have done daily. These include running, jumping, climbing, crawling, swinging, and squatting – all of which have been shown to have significant health benefits. Many of us lead very sedentary lives, and our bodies don’t get the movement they need, which can lead to various issues related to posture, strength, and mobility.
Primal movement helps to counteract this by strengthening and improving the body’s connection between the mind and the muscles. Primal movement also puts less strain on the body than most other forms of exercise and is less likely to cause joint or muscle pain. It encourages us to use our whole body and get in touch with our environment rather than just relying on the same body parts each time. This type of exercise is suitable for all ages and abilities, as it can be tailored to various fitness levels and goals.
Primal movement benefits
Primal movement has numerous benefits – many of which can be seen both physically and mentally. For starters, it improves joint health by providing regular stimulation to the joints. This helps to reduce stiffness and strengthen joints. It can also help strengthen the muscles, which is important for improving balance and coordination. Primal movement is also great for improving cardiovascular health. Running and jumping involve the cardiovascular system and help to increase your heart rate. This improved cardiovascular health can help to reduce the risk of any health issues related to the heart. It may also boost energy levels and improve metabolism.
It is also suitable for any age or fitness level, as the movements can be adjusted to suit individual needs. This type of exercise has a lower risk of injury than other forms of exercise, as it focuses on functional movements rather than static poses. From a mental standpoint, primal movement can help to reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. As it involves movements that mimic our ancestors, it can also provide a sense of connection to our roots, which can help to improve our mental health.
How to get started with primal movement
Getting started with primal movement can be pretty simple. Start by finding a space that is comfortable for you and gaining an understanding of the basic movements that you will be doing. You may want to begin with simple exercises such as jogging and walking, as these are more gentle on the body and can help to prepare you for more challenging activities.
Once you feel comfortable, you can progress onto more complex moves such as jumping and crawling. It is also important to remember to warm up your body before any exercise, as this will help to reduce the risk of injuries. You may also want to consider working with a personal trainer or a certified primal movement coach, as they can provide further guidance on the most effective exercises and techniques to use.
Primal Movement Exercise Examples
Here are some examples of primal movement exercises that you can do at home:
- Inch Worms: start in a standing position with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend at the waist with your legs straight and reach your hands to the ground. Walk your hands forward until your body makes a straight line, like a plank. Depending on the flexibility, you may need to bend your knees to reach the ground slightly. Crawl your hands back toward your feet and return to the starting point.
- Bear crawls: Start on all fours with your shoulders over your hands and your hips over your knees. From here, lift your knees off the ground and begin crawling forward.
- Crab walks: start sitting with your hands behind you on the ground and your feet on the ground in front. Then, move forward or backward by walking on your hands and feet while keeping your back straight and hips off the floor.
- Frog hops: start in a squatting position with your feet flat on the ground and your hands in front of you. Make sure your weight is evenly distributed in your hands and feet. Explode slightly forward and return to the starting position.
Why primal movement is important for everyone
Primal movement is an important form of exercise for everyone – regardless of age, fitness level, or medical condition. It involves basic, functional movements tailored to individual needs and can benefit physical and mental health. It can provide numerous benefits, such as improved joint health, increased mobility and strength, improved cardiovascular health, and improved energy levels. It can also help to reduce stress, improve posture and coordination, and strengthen the connection between the mind and the muscles. This type of exercise can be adapted to different abilities and goals and has a lower risk of injury than other forms of exercise. For these reasons, everyone should consider incorporating primal movement into their exercise routine.
