You Are Adapting – But In the Right Direction?

I spent seven years of formal education learning how the body adapts to change.

Simply put, what I learned is that the body is constantly changing – it’s always moving in a direction… and you are the driver.

In other words, your body adapts to whatever you expose it to.

In fact, it’s adapting right now.

If you sit a lot, for example, your body may learn that it doesn’t need much leg strength, and therefore you might notice your legs feeling much weaker or less firm over time.

On the other hand, if you stand up from your chair frequently, use the stairs, and place loads on your legs through other physical activity, you’ll notice that your leg muscles feel firmer and stronger.

Again, the body adapts constantly to the stress (or lack thereof) that you place on it.

Think: If it needs it, it’ll keep it.

But if it doesn’t, it’s a waste of your body’s energy to keep something up that it’s not using.

What’s more, it’s important to understand how this “adaptation principle” works in the larger picture of your health as well.

You may or may not know that I moved to Vancouver, BC (yes, Canada), a little over a year ago.

Vancouver is considered one of the healthiest cities in the world – which makes it no surprise that I wanted to live here.

There are so many great things about Vancouver’s healthy culture.

One example I’m reminded of frequently is that many times a friend and I will want to get together, and when I reach out to set something up and ask them what they want to do, they’ll often suggest going for a walk, instead of the common, “Let’s meet for coffee.” Or, “Let’s grab some drinks during Happy Hour.”

As a result, I find myself healthier simply due to the environment I’m immersed in and the people I’m surrounded by.

Not to mention, I live in a neighborhood called Kitsilano, a very fitness-forward neighborhood of Vancouver.

My partner and I joke: “In ‘Kits,’ you see people either going to or coming from a workout.”

In fact, it’s not uncommon to see moms walking around with yoga mats, dads out for a run while pushing a stroller, or friends out playing Frisbee or “Spike Ball” at the park.

There are also numerous parks that are easy to walk to, as well as healthy grocery stores that carry fresh produce year-round.

Since my parent’s first visit in July, at some point in just about every conversation on the phone with my mom, she’ll bring up how much she enjoyed just walking around in Vancouver.

In fact, their visit to Vancouver inspired my parents to make some healthy changes when they got back home and they did just that.

Rather than drive, my parents now walk a mile to the grocery store if they just need to pick up a few things.

If it’s too hot to go outside, they’ll walk around the mall, instead of sit at home and watch TV.

My dad has also mentioned that just through a little more emphasis on physical activity, he’s noticed his waistline reduce.

As a daughter who understands how unhealthy a large waist circumference is for men, you can imagine how this news was music to my ears.

Sometimes it’s easy to not realize how much your environment is affecting your health until you step out of it, see something different, and experience the contrast.

Like my parents, could you visit a healthy place, get inspired, and come home and make some healthy changes?

Remember, your health is adapting right here, right now, and because we adapt so well to our environment, it’s important to be aware of what we’re adapting to.

Which direction are you adapting?

Think: What things do I do (or not do) MOST of the time?

If it’s inactivity, you can expect that slowly, but surely your body is adapting away from good health.

Conversely, if you regularly make your body move, then you’re likely adapting toward good health.

Sure, there are other factors involved in your overall health and wellbeing, but you get the idea – it comes down to your choices over time.

Remember, health is cumulative. It’s what you do over time (not once in awhile) that counts.

The great thing is that all it takes is a little reflection on your current physical activity status, and then committing to little tweaks, just like my parents did.

Unlike my parents, if your partner’s not on board with the healthy changes you want to make, then it’s up to you to do this with or without them and hope they come around.

I’ve learned long ago that you can’t force anyone to make a healthy change.

And keep in mind there are so many small tweaks you can make, including meeting your friends or co-workers for a walk instead of coffee or drinks.

I’m sure you can think of a lot more little changes you can make to your life and your environment that will move you toward adapting in the direction I know you want to go – toward a healthier and happier body and life.

It’s up to you and you can start anytime.

It’s your turn to take care of you,

 

 

 

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