My dear Parsi Times readers, Jamshedi Navroze Mubarak!  Let’s welcome the new year with an honest chat. We Parsis love our comfort – our cushy armchairs, our afternoon naps, and of course, being WhatsApp warriors where we sit and type away, slowly turning into Dhansak-fed ‘papeto’. But while our taste buds may be thriving, what of our joints? Arre baba, they’re creaking louder than an old rusted gate at Doongerwadi!

As a physiotherapist, I see it all the time. The stiff necks, the aching backs, the knees that sound like they’re whispering secrets every time you climb the stairs. And let’s not even talk about the dreaded ‘bawa belly,’ which, I assure you, is not a condition, but an architectural marvel in itself!

A large part of the solution lies in being mobile! So, why is movement so important? Science tells us that the human body was never meant to be a still-life painting. It is designed for movement, for action, for ‘halwanu-chalwanu’! Yet, in today’s world, with desk jobs and hours spent glued to laptops (sometimes doom-scrolling WhatsApp forwards from our kakas and mamis), we are moving less than ever. And, let’s be honest, with Uber and Swiggy at our fingertips, we barely need to lift a finger, let alone an entire leg!

The Physiology of Motion (Or Why You Shouldn’t Sit Like a Smug Rustomjee All Day)

Movement isn’t just about burning calories, it’s about maintaining joint lubrication, improving circulation, and keeping the muscles strong enough to prevent future injuries. When we sit for long hours, our hip flexors tighten, our posture slouches and our metabolism slows down. Even our digestion takes a hit, meaning your Lagan-nu Bhonu isn’t digesting as well as you think!

Here’s What Happens When We Don’t Move Enough:

Neck and Back Pain: Sitting like a question mark for hours puts enormous pressure on your spine.

Poor Circulation: Your legs don’t get enough blood flow, leading to swelling and varicose veins.

Weight Gain: Less movement means fewer calories burned. More movement means you can eat that extra ravo, guilt-free!

Weakened Muscles: If you don’t use it, you lose it! Weak muscles mean higher chances of falls as we age.

Joint Stiffness and Arthritis: The less we move, the stiffer we become – just like an old box of sutarfeni forgotten in the fridge.

Mental Fatigue and Anxiety: Exercise releases endorphins, which help keep stress and anxiety at bay. Sitting all day makes you sluggish and mentally drained.

Poor Posture Leading to Chronic Pain: Slouching all day weakens the spine, leading to long-term back and neck pain that even your physiotherapist will sigh at.

Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases: Lack of movement is linked to diabetes, heart disease, and even some forms of cancer.

Bone Density Loss: A sedentary lifestyle leads to weaker bones, increasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis as we age.

The Secret Sauce: Movement in Everyday Life

Now, before you groan and say, “Exercise no time kaun bawa paase che?” let me remind you, movement doesn’t mean running a marathon or lifting dumbbells heavier than your old mamaiji’s walking stick. It simply means incorporating mobility into your daily routine.

Start your morning with stretches: Even five minutes of basic stretches can do wonders. Bonus: You’ll be able to touch your toes instead of just dreaming about it.

Stand up every 30 minutes: Set a reminder if needed. Walk around, stretch, shake your shoulders like you just heard a bad Parsi joke.

Take the stairs instead of the lift: Unless you live on the 50th floor, in which case, let’s not get too ambitious!

Do a little ‘Fata-Fit’ during TV ads: When your favorite serial goes on a break, get up, do a few squats, or just march in place.

Invest in a standing desk: Or at least alternate between sitting and standing while working.

Daily walk – minimum 40 minutes: And no, walking from the dining table to the fridge doesn’t count!

Dance like no one is watching: Not only is it great exercise, but it also lifts the mood instantly.

Household chores count as movement: Sweeping, mopping, or washing dishes – all keep you active.

Use technology to stay accountable: Step counters, fitness apps, and reminders can help you stay on track.

Incorporate stretching into your work routine: Simple neck, shoulder, and wrist stretches can prevent repetitive strain injuries from excessive typing.

Try resistance exercises: Using small weights or even your own body weight can maintain muscle mass and prevent age-related muscle loss.

The Parsi Bonus: Move Together, Laugh Together (Before And After The Ghambhar!)

Movement is always better when shared. Form a walking group at the Baug, join a Zumba or yoga class, or simply dance to old Bollywood classics with your grandkids. Who says fitness can’t be fun? Don’t forget the importance of community! Encourage your family and friends to join you. Even a short walk after dinner with a good conversation can do wonders for your health and well-being. And if your joints allow it, why not play a game of cricket or badminton? After all, us Parsis like to believe we introduced cricket to India – so let’s keep up the tradition!

Future-Proofing Your Body

Aging is inevitable, but becoming immobile isn’t. The more we move, the more independence we retain as we grow older. Mobility ensures you can still travel, attend family gatherings, and enjoy life without being restricted by aches and pains. So, the choice is simple: move now or regret later. Additionally, movement enhances brain function and memory, reducing the risk of dementia. So, while you may forget where you kept your glasses, at least you won’t forget how to walk to the cupboard to find them!

So, my dear fellow Parsis, let’s make a vow to not let our bones fossilize before their time. Get up, stretch, take a walk, do a jig, and keep moving. Because a body in motion stays in motion, but a body that sits too long will need oiling like an old bicycle! Now, off you go. Dance baby Dance!

Wishing you all a Happy Jamshedi Navroze! May this new year bring you good health, more movement, and lots of joy! Navrooz Shaad Baad!