Your body was made to move. It was made to move in a certain way that favoured survival over the millenia human beings have been around. We can push, pull, lift and employ tools in ways that most other animals couldn't even dream about, if they dream at all. But most of all we were made to move over large distances, longer and farther than our natural predators and food animals. Furthermore our brain development is inextricably tied to doing just those things.
Modern life has produced situations where the natural order of things has been violated. There are many life situations where activity of this sort is lacking or distorted by being narrowly focused and repetitive. Division of labour was a great idea but it had side-effects. Both situations produce their own type of damage, but damage there is and it gets worse as time goes on. The human body being what it is, it is rarely too late to get things back on the right track and begin the healing and growth process all over again. If you have been sufficiently active enough to have suffered little damage so far, all the better.
So what does one actually have to do? Well, walking would be a great start. Recently finished studies have found that simple walking, for an hour or more three times a week develops and tones muscles, helps keep the cardiovascular system from deteriorating and contributes to maintaining good brain function at all stages of life. Of course there are lots of other activities that provide the same or better benefits in less time and sometimes with more enjoyment depending on your need for motivation and entertainment.
I mean, think of the possiblities that involve run, push, pull, lift or any combination of them in vigorous repetitive activity. Ad machines like bicycles and the possibilities are endless and may involve things as simple as junk or work around the yard as equipment. Whatever works for you. The important thing is to get started and keep it up. Contrary to urban legends, it doesn't have to hurt. If it hurts too much it probably won't be something you are still doing a month from now. To start, it just has to raise your heart rate and keep you moving long enough to reap the benefits, usually about three hours per week. Break it up into as many shorter periods as you like to better fit your lifestyle.
What's holding you down?
