We’re still recovering from Florie’s pirate ship birthday party, which was a blast but let’s just say the sugar high is real and so is the clean up. I’m also flying solo this weekend, as Charlotte’s off on the Isle of Wight for some much needed time away with her girlfriends (well earned!). That means I’ve got all three kids and it’s been a lively few days, as you can imagine.
To survive, I’ve strategically made my way to my mum and dad’s in Haslemere, a bit of tag team parenting support and hopefully, a hot coffee or two. The Six Nations has started, so that’s keeping spirits high and I’ll be tuning into Bournemouth vs Villa this weekend too (hoping for something positive there!).
Meanwhile, I’m still keeping up the training for Mallorca 312 lots of hours on the bike and Zwift, trying to stay on track and not let the legs completely give up on me. It’s definitely a juggle fitting it all in but we’re getting there. Hope you’re all doing well and keeping active as we cruise through February. Don’t forget our Fall Back in Love with Movement campaign is still in full swing. If you need a little boost, inspiration or help finding something that works for you, just give us a shout.
Valentine’s Day is all about romance: Flowers, chocolates, grand gestures. But this year, let’s talk about the relationship that really matters: you and your body.
If movement has slowly slipped out of your life (no judgement life is busy, aches are real, and sofas are very persuasive), February is the perfect time to fall back in love with moving again.
Not in a punishing, bootcamp way.
In a kind, feel good, “oh wow, that actually helped” way.
When Did Movement Become So Complicated?
Somewhere along the line, movement got tangled up with:
- “I must go to the gym”
- “It has to hurt to count”
- “I’ll start when I’m fitter / less busy / less sore”
And before you know it, your body feels stiff, achy and disconnected especially in the back, hips, neck and shoulders.
I read a book this time last year called ‘The Slight Edge’ and it talked about how small kicks in willpower move the needle in a big way when done consistently, So it is not hitting the gym 5 times per week for an hour, but it might be doing 5 press ups each night before bed or meditating for 5 minutes every morning. This is achievable and also manageable long term.
Here’s the truth: your body doesn’t want perfection; It wants consistency and kindness.
Movement Is a Love Language
Think of movement as a daily check in with your body:
- Walking keeps your spine nourished
- Gentle stretches remind your joints they’re allowed to move
- Strength work gives your muscles confidence again
Even small movements send a powerful message:
“I’m listening.”
And it starts to build patterns, these patterns are positive upward cycles that start to roll like a snowball. The momentum gathers and it starts to feel easier over a period of time.
The problem is we don’t stick to it long enough to generate the momentum needed for it to become a habit and easier.
And your nervous system?
Start Where You Are (Not Where You Think You Should Be)
Falling back in love doesn’t mean jumping straight into intense workouts.
Try this instead:
- A 10 minute walk after dinner
- Mobility stretches first thing in the morning
- Standing up and moving every hour at work
- Breathing and gentle spinal movement before bed
Small, regular movement beats occasional big effort every time.
What If Movement Hurts?
This is where many people break up with movement altogether.
Pain doesn’t mean your body is broken it usually means it needs guidance, support and the right type of movement.
This is where chiropractic care can help:
- Improving joint motion
- Reducing nervous system irritation
- Helping your body move better, not just more
When movement feels smoother, people naturally start doing more of it without forcing it.
A Valentine’s Promise to Your Body
This month, instead of swearing extreme fitness vows, try this promise:
“I’ll move you a little more.
I’ll listen when you whisper, not wait until you shout.
And I’ll choose progress over perfection.”
Because movement isn’t something you should do it’s something your body genuinely loves.And honestly?
That’s the healthiest relationship you’ll ever be in.
References
- World Health Organization (2020) – WHO Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour
- UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) – Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management (NG59)
- Brumagne et al. (2019) – Movement control and the nervous system in low back pain. European Journal of Pain
- Hartvigsen et al. (2018) – What low back pain is and why we need to pay attention. The Lancet.
- Bronfort et al. (2010) – Effectiveness of manual therapies: the UK evidence report. Chiropractic & Osteopathy.
- Sedentary Behaviour Research Network (2017) – Links prolonged sitting with stiffness, pain, and reduced spinal health.
