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“There is more wisdom in your body than in your deepest philosophy.”

– Friedrich Nietzsche

I am always a bit surprised that the bulk of research in the expansion of human intelligence, not to mention our education system, is so focused on the brain, predominantly on the cerebral cortex. 

Of course, I appreciate the complexity of the human brain, and how much more researchers have yet to understand. I am also in awe of the immense power and potential packed into that command center perched atop our spines. 

For our purposes, however, I don’t want us to miss the appreciation of the full capacity of the complete human operating system, so much of which is located below the neck. Our bodies contain an eloquent and highly sophisticated system of intelligence that has developed and evolved over millions of years.

Different methods of measurement have given various estimates ranging between 20-70 trillion cells in the human body. Based on a more accurate method, accounting for the different volume and density of each cell type, scientists have been able to estimate the average number of cells in our system to be closer to 37 trillion. 

Regardless of the exact count, the Universe Within is vast and the human anatomy brilliant and complex. More importantly: beyond the brain, every cell of our body has intelligence. Many of our memories, emotions, traumas and energy blocks get stored in our bodies. Still, the thought of tuning into and listening deeply to our body, rather than to the constant ramblings of our mind, is foreign to many and taught to less.

One of the most effective ways to activate those cells—to free up and boost your energy—is to move your body. Moving your body informs your DNA that they still have a reason to stay in the game, and encourages the cells to keep growing, and to participate in your growth and wellbeing as well. Each of those trillions of cells carries your genetic code, and is part of a complex, interdependent, and highly intelligent system. 

Although diet, stress and environmental factors can change the expression and outcome of our DNA and our health, according to Katy Bowman, biomechanist and author of Move Your DNA, movement is what human beings are missing most. Katy tells us, “You can eat the perfect diet, sleep eight hours a night, and use only baking soda and vinegar to clean your house, but without the loads created by natural movement, all of these worthy efforts are thwarted at a cellular level, and your optimal wellness level remains elusive.”

Even if our mind doesn’t always feel like getting up out of the chair, our system thrives on movement. And, in most cases, our mood eventually shifts toward the higher energetic state that movement creates, once we actually move. That energy is part of our natural genetic expression. As human beings, we were simply not created to sit all day, be it at a desk or a computer. Our ancient ancestors, as far back as 300 thousand years ago, moved about 8 hours a day and walked 5 to 12 miles by the time the sun set. 

We spend way too much time sitting. If we want to optimize our energy, we need to offset the compression, congestion and stagnation that an overly stagnant modern life creates in our systems. A little aerobic movement can make all the difference. Even a few minutes of daily physical exercise can help get your heart pumping, activate your respiratory system, improve your circulation, aid in digestion, and help eliminate built up tension and lactic acid that gets trapped in your body and could otherwise lead to further stress and disease.

According to Dr. John Ratey of Harvard Medical School, movement is a biological imperative. The sedentary ways of our modern-day life, says Dr. Ratey, are “disrupting a biological balance that has been fine tuned for over half a million years.” In his book Spark, Ratey confirms what scientific studies continue to reveal: moving the body also fuels the brain. Exercise and other forms of movement helps balance our neurotransmitters, improves our focus, and boosts our attention and mood. By triggering the release of dopamine, movement helps us to reduce stress, anxiety and depression; while increasing energy, vitality and happiness.

For kids, regular movement and exercise can be more effective than Prozac or Ritalin at regulating and optimizing mental-emotional functions, and more effective than Zoloft in reducing depression. Fit kids not only outperform those who don’t exercise by 2 to 1 in school, they are generally happier. 

Movement, however, is much more than just exercise. Micromovements – small and perpetual movement throughout the day—are key to optimal health and brain function. Equally important as regular aerobic exercise, scientific research recommends more regular movements throughout the day. More perpetual movement is key to optimal function. We will address this in more detail in the upcoming chapter on Micromovement. In summary: don’t just move more, move more often.

In future posts, I will explore different forms of movement and their benefits. Whatever form you choose, I encourage you to approach it with childlike wonder and enthusiasm. While the long-term rewards of being physically active can be profound, the benefits of increased should become immediately apparent. Some of those payoffs include improving our mood, reducing anxiety, and giving us greater mental clarity. 

However you choose to express your exercise of choice—dance, run, swim, walk, climb, lift or spin—and whatever you choose to do in regular intervals throughout your day, stretch, stand, walk, jump or pump, let the words of the great late James Brown be a regular reminder: “Get up offa that thang!”

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About the Author 

Frank Fitzpatrick is a Creative Executive, Engagement Expert and High-Performance Coach on the Faculty of Singularity University’s Exponential Medicine.

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