Walk the escalator.

For almost all of human history, we've had one form of transport – our legs.

If we wanted food, shelter, trade, safety, or connection, we moved.

Run, walk, climb, squat - that's all we had.

Now it’s possible to live in a world where we move less than 1000 steps a day.

Amazon, Deliveroo, running water, Zoom, flushing toilets, and Netflix mean you barely need to leave the house.

But we still need movement.

Without it, muscles weaken, joints stiffen, fitness fails, and we do irreversible damage.

And as more of us move from brawn to brain work, everyday opportunities to 'train' disappear too.

Sometimes I think if an alien watched modern life, it would assume humans were allergic to movement.

We go out of our way to avoid using our bodies.

Cars and planes made sense as we moved to large cities.

But now I’m seeing fit, healthy friends buying electric bikes like pedalling has somehow become too much effort.

And nowhere is this more obvious to me than on the London Underground.

Over six years in London, I’ve watched the escalators change.

More and more people stand to the right.

Fewer and fewer walk.

"To the left to the left"

-Beyonce

People in Lululemon activewear, Hyrox branded gymbags, acid running hats and Stanley sippy cups.

Is this for your performance, or your performance?

And for most people, I’m sure it’s just default behaviour.

Nothing deliberate, or thought through.

But I implore you, my dear reader, if you are able - to be the exception.

Make it your rule. Make it your quirk.

Walk the escalator.

Take the stairs.

Choose the harder option whenever you can.

See that 20-second burst of effort as a reminder – your body still works.

Feel your pounding heart like a Mustang engine. It's made to rev!

One day, you won’t be able to move like this.

If you're not careful, today is the fittest you'll ever be in your future.

I saw a post the other day.

Fight off ill health until the day you die.

Cheers

Live by design, not default.

James - humans BEING

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Disclaimer:The information I share is for education and general interest only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or a substitute for professional care. Please do not start or stop any medication or supplement without guidance from a qualified health professional who knows your personal history.

The views expressed are my own, based on sources available at the time of writing. Logos, images, and short excerpts may appear for identification, critique, or educational purposes; all trademarks and copyrights remain with their owners. I aim to be accurate, and if you believe something here is incorrect, please let me know so I can review and, if needed, correct it.

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