The week before last, I had the same conversation with five different people at Penance Gym. Now, I’m not one for coincidences, so when a theme like this emerges, it’s usually worth a closer look. It turns out most of these members had been on fall break the week before, taking time for vacations, stay-cations, or simply enjoying a little downtime. And during each conversation, I heard a similar story:
“I took last week off from workouts. By midweek, I felt something was wrong – my body hurt, and I just didn’t feel like myself. But now that I’m back in the gym, I feel better again. Why is that?”
My answer? It’s a simple but powerful truth: movement is medicine. You might also hear the saying, “motion is lotion.” Both mean the same thing: our joints and muscles need regular movement, ideally through their full range of motion, or they’ll start to stiffen and ache. When we stop moving, even for a short time, our body starts sending signals, telling us something isn’t right (small example: long car rides).
For these members, their bodies were giving them an early warning. Thankfully, they were back in the gym before those stiff joints and sore muscles had a chance to settle into a more lasting state of discomfort – something we unfortunately see in far too many people who skip regular movement entirely.
Think of it like rust on a machine part. When you don’t move your joints and muscles regularly, it’s like letting parts sit and accumulate rust. Movement keeps the body fluid and functioning. So, whether you’re in the gym or simply adding more movement into your daily routine, remember that your body thrives on it. Even small actions can help you avoid that achy, stiff feeling and maintain a healthy, mobile body for life.
Ultimately, taking time off is fine now and then – it’s part of a balanced approach to health. But when you come back, listen to how much better you feel with regular movement. It’s your body’s way of saying, “This is what I need.” So let’s keep moving, keep strengthening, and keep caring for the only body we get.