Why it is important to get up and move.

If you are looking for a suitable online class with an expert instructor to satisfy your needs on a single platform, try SpaceCuboid.

Photography taken by Nicholas Goh - One Metre Apart

As a global community, we find ourselves in the midst of a pandemic which has severely disrupted our everyday lives. We are now highly encouraged to stay home in an attempt to 'flatten the curve' and reduce the infectious spread of this disease. As we stay quarantined in our homes, finding alternatives to substitute little gaps in our routine has certainly got us turning our heads towards the Internet. I certainly find myself being in this position:

Hands up if you find yourselves in this position too, I know I'm not the only one... 

This position, as we fondly recognise, is known as the 'couch potato'. According to the Oxford Dictionary, a couch potato is a “person who takes little to no exercise and watches a lot of television". Hmm, that sounds about right... Sitting on a comfy surface (couch/bed), scrolling through Netflix with a snack to munch on... Sounds nice. But! What actually happens to your body when you get into this mode of little to no exercise?

What happens if you don't do any exercise or physical activity? We all know that physical activity benefits our health. But very few are aware of the specific dangers of inactivity. Here’s just a few:

• Weakening Bones - as a result of being inactive and becoming more sedentary 

• Increased chances of developing diseases due to inactivity 

• Craving more unhealthy foods 

• Decreased sleep quality 

• Slower metabolism 

• Increased feelings of irritation (eg: grumpiness, short temper, depression) 

• Increased risk of osteoporosis

In short: “The better your knowledge are on those topics, the more physical activity you’re likely to get” - Robert Preidt, HealthDay. A Timeless Skill - Form Good Habits Forming good habits is a powerful tool to increase your motivation for doing anything.  According to this article written by Danny Forest, this is a timeless skill worth investing a short fraction of your time into practicing. Here’s some specific benefits on why it is important to form good habits:

• Helps you eat healthier 

• Helps you sleep much better 

• Helps you to learn something new on a daily basis. 

• Helps you workout almost everyday 

• Helps you become more motivated to stay on top of your good habits. 

• Helps you to be more driven to get rid of bad habits. 

Studies have also shown that when we align our habit-making in favour towards our health and wellbeing, we are choosing to lead a happier, more fulfilled life!

Form Good Habits - Improve your Coordination & Flexibility This skill is exactly as it states: coordination and flexibility. Here’s some specific benefits on developing this physical skill:

• The more coordination & flexibility you have, the easier it becomes to perform at any sport or physical activity. 

• Promotes physical and mental well-being. 

• Releases endorphins, or other "feel good" materials to make you feel happier. 

• Helps with blood circulation and cardiovascular health, thus boosting your immune system to fight off bacteria and infections. 

• Promotes cell growth and organ function. 

• Protect the heart: When the heart pumps at full force, your heart rate lowers, the heart muscles relax and your blood pressure flows more evenly and smoothly. 

• Building stronger bones 

• Improved sexual drive 

• Lowering the risk of kidney stones 

• Detoxing heavy metals in our digestive system 

For more information: click here.

As someone who engages with physical activity (dance & fitness) on a regular basis, I certainly find that the positive impact trickles into other aspects of my life. My quality of sleep has improved, which allows me to have more mental clarity in my everyday life. Additionally, physically moving with a community helps me to feel more connected. Some of my longest and most valuable friendships have risen from dance. 

If you are looking for a platform to pick up a new skill, or to working hard to continue your self-training, try SpaceCuboid.

SpaceCuboid SpaceCuboid is a platform that matches expert instructors with students looking to hone their skills through live-streamed dance & fitness classes. 

With technology at your fingertips, you are one step closer to attaining a much healthier lifestyle for you and your loved ones. What’s cool about SpaceCuboid is the accessibility to enjoy live-streamed classes directly to you! These classes are specifically designed for home-dancing, so there is NO excuse for a lack of space. 

Let me bust a myth:  You don't need to be an expert to enjoy the benefits of dance, exercise and movement!  

By dedicating the time in showing up to practice together, you have begun on your own journey towards healthier living by forming this timeless skill of developing your coordination and flexibility!

Hopefully, by now, I have convinced you on the theoretical benefits of implementing physical exercise into your routine. However, I am very aware this is probably easier said than done. When we break habits, we tend to go 'cold turkey'. On the other hand, to implement a new habit, we have to do it in increments. Small steps, so that our body and nervous system can register new pathways/synapses.

Perhaps you don't laze on the couch, but finding some difficulties in getting started. In my next post, I will be sharing some small increments that you can include to begin this process. Remember, you do not walk alone. Whether your interest lies in dance or fitness, please stay safe, healthy and active. Did you Know?  In order to improve your skills quickly, Consistency and Repetition is key.