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Should You Try Primal Movement Workouts?

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Should You Try Primal Movement Workouts?

If you follow exercise trends, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of primal movement workouts. But what is this workout, and should you try it? Sports medicine physician Evan Peck, MD, explains what primal movements are and their fitness benefits.

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What is a primal movement workout?

Primal movement exercises are based on activities that are … well, primal. In other words, these are movements the human body was designed to do for survival.

“Humans have naturally done their own primal movement ‘workout’ for thousands of years,” says Dr. Peck. “Primal movements include things like squatting, pulling, twisting and walking. Historically, humans used these movements to hunt, gather and do other essential tasks.”

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For example, squatting to pick herbs from the ground was necessary in pre-grocery store days. Early humans also used skills like twisting, pushing and pulling to quickly get up off the ground during hunting (or when being hunted).

In our modern world, we don’t need these skills as much as we used to.

“Many people have jobs that don’t require walking, bending, pulling and twisting,” he continues. “Because we have furniture, we don’t have to get up from the floor that often. Vehicles get us where we want to go. We use our primal movements less, so our bodies can lose the ability to easily do these movements.”

What are primal movements?

These seven types of movements are widely known as the primal movements:

  • Gait (walking and running).
  • Hinging (bending at the waist).
  • Lunging.
  • Pulling.
  • Pushing.
  • Rotating (twisting through your torso).
  • Squatting.

Each of these activities is a compound movement, which means you use multiple muscle groups to do them. For example, lunges activate your core and leg muscles such as your quadriceps and hamstrings.

“Compound, multijoint exercises translate best to everyday life and should probably be emphasized in most people’s strength training programs,” says Dr. Peck.

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Primal movements are different from weightlifting exercises that isolate and strengthen a single muscle group at a time. “But that doesn’t make primal movements better or worse than single-joint exercises,” he adds. Because single-joint exercises have benefits as well, including emphasizing a weak, injured or injury-prone muscle group.

Benefits of a primal movement workout

Primal movements may appeal to beginners because they don’t require special equipment. But these moves can benefit people of all ages and fitness levels.

“Everyone should be doing compound movements as part of their workout routine,” recommends Dr. Peck. “These movements can increase your strength, flexibility, balance and muscular endurance to make daily tasks easier.”

If you work out regularly, you might already be doing some of these moves.

“You probably see people doing most of these exercises at the gym,” he continues. “That’s because primal movements aren’t new and are an effective way to build muscular endurance, which allows your muscles to work for longer periods of time.”

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Like any exercise routine, primal movements aren’t one-size-fits-all: “A challenging routine looks slightly different for everyone,” he notes. “Beginners may use gravity and their body weight for resistance. As you get stronger, you may need to add hand weights to the routine.”

You should also pay close attention to your form, as you can get injured from doing primal movement exercises incorrectly.

“For example, utilizing an excessive range of motion during a lunge can injure your knees,” cautions Dr. Peck. “It’s best to work with a sports medicine physician, physical therapist or personal trainer to be sure you’re doing these moves correctly.”

Do primal movements build muscle?

Primal movement is one way to improve your fitness, but it’s not a complete workout program on its own. Most people should also incorporate strength training to build muscle.

“Your program should include a few reps with heavier weight for proper strength training,” advises Dr. Peck. “This type of training engages deeper fibers in your muscles that lose strength as we age.”

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“Your program should include a few sets with heavier weight for proper strength training,” he adds. “This type of training engages certain strong-and-fast fibers in your muscles that we tend to lose a lot of as we age.”

These muscle fibers (known as type 2B fast-twitch fibers) are crucial for short, intense movements. They contract quickly and can handle a lot of force. If you stumble, for instance, fast-twitch fibers engage to support your body weight and keep you from falling.

Most primal movement workouts, on the other hand, tend to focus on different muscle fibers. They are:

  • Type 2A fast-twitch fibers, which are more fatigue-resistant but less fast, powerful and strong).
  • Type 1 slow-twitch fibers.

“This isn’t a bad thing because you need those type 2A and type 1 fibers, too,” says Dr. Peck. “But if you’re not doing any strength training that’s more intense — and by intense, I mean heavy, perhaps above 80% of your estimated one-repetition maximum — you’re not engaging the type 2B fibers that help you stay strong.”

But strength training doesn’t have to be extreme to be effective. A weight that’s hard to lift more than five times in a row with correct form is probably the heaviest weight that most people need to use.

“Moderately heavy weights lifted with great technique consistently over a long period tend to pay tremendous physical dividends,” he says. “Most people can still get strong without needing to ‘max out’ or lift the most weight possible on a regular basis.”

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And don’t worry if you don’t work up a sweat while training.

“Many people assume that a workout is only effective if they get sweaty and out of breath,” notes Dr. Peck. “But subjective feelings of being tired or feeling like you gave great effort, while valuable, aren’t always a reliable measure of your results — particularly with strength training.”

Finally, forget the old “no pain, no gain” adage. “You shouldn’t feel like jelly after strength training or a primal movement workout, and it shouldn’t hurt,” he stresses.

See an expert to add primal movements to your workouts

Primal movement workouts are generally safe for most people to try. Still, it’s wise to consult an expert before jumping in, especially if you have health concerns.

“If you have any chronic conditions or a previous injury, talk with your physician before beginning a new exercise program,” advises Dr. Peck. “They can help you find a routine that’s safe and effective for you.”

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Adults hop on viral ‘rebounding’ trend to make exercise fun again — ‘I feel like a kid’

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Adults hop on viral ‘rebounding’ trend to make exercise fun again — ‘I feel like a kid’

Forget boring home workouts, on-demand HITT classes and cold winter runs.

The latest wellness trend bouncing around TikTok involves a workout you might not even realize you’re doing, and that’s the point. It’s called rebounding. This low-impact exercise involves jumping on a mini fitness trampoline — called a rebounder — to get your heart pumping and support lymphatic drainage.

On Amazon, this best-selling model is currently on sale for just $129. It measures in at just 40 inches, making it ideal for small spaces while still offering room for an adult to jump, squat and jog in place. Users swear it gives them a seriously effective full-body workout, and many remark that it’s “so much fun” to use.

Clinical trials also back the benefits: a 12-week rebounding program for overweight women showed significant improvements in body composition as well as a decrease in diastolic blood pressure.

Ready to jump on the rebounding trend, too? You’d better hop on this Amazon deal fast.

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This sleek rebounder by BCAN is sturdy and easy to set up, thanks to pre-assembled bungees and simpel video tutorial.

Reviewers say it’s completely changed their workouts, with one remarking they “feel like a little kid again.” Others have also noted it’s much easier on their joints than higher-impact exercises.

“It absorbs impact well and allows for a nice, smooth rebound that is gentle on the joints, making it perfect for a low-impact cardio workout,” one person explained. “Whether I’m doing high-intensity intervals or simply bouncing for fun, the movement feels fluid and responsive.

The BCAN model features an upgraded handlebar for added stability. It’s 8mm premium bungee — with a durable woven outer layer and a 350-strand natural latex core — delivers smooth, quiet bounces, so you can enjoy your workout without disturbing others.



This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to the viral Oura Ring to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable toddler by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.

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Fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares why exercise is crucial for kids: ‘Not just about health and fitness’

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Fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares why exercise is crucial for kids: ‘Not just about health and fitness’

Exercise is often spoken about in the context of physical fitness – stronger muscles, better stamina and improved overall health. But its value, especially for children, extends far beyond the body. Regular physical activity can quietly shape character, teaching lessons about effort, patience, discipline and resilience that mirror how the real world works. From learning to cope with discomfort to understanding that progress takes time, exercise can become a powerful training ground for life itself.

Exercise is important for kids. (Image generated via Google Gemini)

Also Read | Chennai fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares 5 simple things to focus on for long-term fitness

Chennai-based fitness trainer with 18 years of experience, Raj Ganpath – founder of the Slow Burn Method, co-founder and head coach at Quad Fitness, and author of Simple, Not Easy – is shedding light on why exercise is important for kids, with the benefits going beyond health and fitness. In an Instagram video shared on February 27, he explains how the impact of exercise extends far beyond physical wellness, shaping resilience, discipline and long-term character development.

Embracing discomfort

According to Raj, exercise is one of the healthiest ways to help children learn how to sit with discomfort in a safe, structured and sustainable way. Life inevitably brings challenges and unease – something adults understand well – but many children today are shielded from situations that test their resilience.

He explains, “Exercise is a great way to experience this discomfort in a safe and sustainable manner. Lifting weights, holding a plank, doing cardio, repping till it burns, all of these things are opportunities to embrace discomfort, opportunities to put themselves in a place where they’re not comfortable and learn from it, opportunities to practice physical and mental resilience.

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Learning hardship

The fitness trainer emphasises that hardship is an inevitable part of life, and meaningful success often requires pushing through moments of difficulty. While most adults recognise this truth through lived experience, children may not always have the same exposure to challenge. Raj believes exercise can bridge that gap.

He elaborates, “It will teach them that they need to do hard things if they want to accomplish something. Getting through a very hard workout, setting a goal and achieving it, completing a task. All of these things are not just random chores. These are incredible opportunities – opportunities to experience hardship and build fortitude.”

Delayed gratification

In today’s fast-paced world, the desire for instant gratification is stronger than ever – and children are growing up at the centre of it. With technology, streaming platforms and 10-minute delivery services, almost everything is available at the tap of a screen. As a result, the ability to wait, persist and work steadily towards a long-term goal can easily take a back seat. Exercise, notes Raj, offers a powerful counterbalance.

He explains, “Everyone wants everything right away today. This is true for us adults too, but it is even more true for our kids because this is the only world they know. A world where everything happens right then and right there, whenever they want it, wherever they want it. Exercise will teach them to wait, to be patient, to trust the process, to fail and still keep going, to work towards something larger that they will get much later. This is a very important character building quality and will serve them well for many, many years to come.”

The fitness trainer concludes, “Exercise is not just about health and fitness. It is a simulation of life itself. A ready-made character building tool available to you to help prepare your kids for life, the raw and real life that they’re going to have to deal with no matter what. So make sure they build the habit and make sure they embrace it.”

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Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

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What Are “Movement Snacks”? How To Try This Trending Fitness Hack

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What Are “Movement Snacks”? How To Try This Trending Fitness Hack

The World Health Organization says the average adult is supposed to get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity five days a week, which sounds somewhat doable until it’s 9 p.m., your kids are finally in bed, and you just want to fall onto the couch and dissociate. But more and more people online are talking about “movement snacks” — little bite-sized amounts of exercise you can do throughout your day to meet your 60-minute goal without having to make special time for one big workout. Because yes, we all want to be our healthiest, but sometimes a HIIT class at the gym is just not in the schedule.

We asked personal trainers and fitness coaches for their favorite movement snacks you can do in the office, around the house, and on busy weekends when everyone’s home.

How much exercise is a person really supposed to get?

While the WHO recommends 60 minutes a day, the CDC is a little more lax, recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week, or about 30 minutes a day, five days a week. While it may feel like you’re the only one struggling to fit a workout into your daily routine, you’re far from alone. In fact, it’s always been hard for most Americans. So, while movement snacks may be a cute new term we’re all hearing for the first time, fitness pros have been promoting bite-sized exercise forever.

“I work with busy professionals, so I’ve been integrating micro workouts of two to 10 minutes into my clients’ lifestyles for almost 20 years,” says Andrea Marcellus, certified personal trainer and CEO of AND/life.

The most important thing for your health isn’t getting all your daily movement done in one big, perfectly curated workout — it’s about being consistent, Marcellus says. Movement snacks can help you stay consistent because you don’t have to budget a big chunk of time; instead, you can fit something simple into your day when you have three minutes to spare. Hell, you don’t even have to change clothes or go anywhere.

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“Most people think movement only counts if it’s a workout. That mindset is what keeps people sedentary. In reality, your body doesn’t care if steps come from a hike, a gym session, or pacing when you’re on a call,” says Lindy Royer, physical therapist and balanced body educator. “This is where you win the game — by stacking movement into things you’re already doing.”

Movement Snacks To Try Throughout Your Day

  • Set an alarm on your phone to chime every hour — that’s what women’s fitness coach Allison Kalsched tells her clients. When it goes off, stand up and do 10 bodyweight squats. Then go back to work. When you get tired of squats, mix in walking lunges, push-ups (it’s fine if they’re modified!), or dead bugs. Throw on 30 seconds of jumping jacks or high knees for bone-building benefits, which is important for women in menopause, she adds.
  • Take a micro walk. “Five minutes or 500 steps is my absolute favorite,” says Dr. Milica McDowell, doctor of physical therapy, author of the forthcoming book Walk, and exercise physiologist at US Physical Therapy. “It changes mood, lowers blood pressure, boosts mental clarity, and can help you get your cumulative steps in.”
  • Dance to your new favorite song with your kids or all by yourself. “Dance party was big with my kids after dinner,” Marcellus says. “It takes four to 10 mins and helps kids burn off dinner energy, while also giving parents a metabolic boost.”
  • Stop and do 60 reps of any full-body exercise, like squats, lunges, or jumping jacks — this usually takes about two minutes, no matter which one you choose, Marcellus says. Or, hold a plank for one to two minutes.
  • Pair walking with habits that already exist to get your steps in, like marching in place while brushing your teeth or doing a lap inside the house while your food is in the microwave. “This means you’re not adding time — you are upgrading your time,” says Royer.
  • Count your housework. Sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, general domestic labor — these things totally contribute to your total exercise time each day, says Royer.
  • If you go up or down the stairs at home, just… do it two or three times. That little extra here and there adds up, according to Royer.

The best advice is to focus not on “how can I move right now?” but “how can I do something that isn’t sitting right now?” Royer says. “The real truth that most people ignore is that sedentary time is the real enemy, not a lack of workouts. Focus on breaking up your sitting time. Build in frequent movement snacks. You’re not looking for perfection, just something more than nothing. You don’t need more time; you actually just need more conscious efforts to move.”

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