Written by Alex Davies
Qualified Osteopath
I challenge the idea that you need a gym to be happy, strong, and healthy. If you enjoy the gym, that’s great - I’m not saying it’s bad. But I am saying that it’s not the only way to stay in shape.
Before I became an osteopath, I worked as a personal trainer for years. I spent countless hours under the harsh artificial lights of gyms in the UK, breathing in air-conditioned air with barely any windows in sight. At peak times, you’d queue for sweaty machines, repeating the same movements over and over. It struck me as odd - people would sit at a desk all day, drive to the gym, park as close as possible, then hop on a treadmill before sitting again for weight training. We spend so much time sitting, only to exercise while sitting too!
The Fitness Industry vs. Natural Movement
The modern fitness industry has turned gyms into places where it feels like you need the right shoes, the latest Gymshark or Lululemon set, a trending influencer’s workout plan, and an overpriced protein powder (that may or may not be laced with heavy metals). But do any of these things truly help us reach our goal of being happy, strong, and healthy? Maybe. But also, maybe not. And there is absolutely no obligation to force the gym to work for you.
So What’s the Alternative?
Before we dive in, let’s take a step back and look at who we are as humans. We have legs, feet, a spine, opposable thumbs, sweat glands, and eyes that detect movement. Our bodies evolved for movement - walking, running, climbing, squatting, kneeling.
For millennia, humans rested on the ground - sitting cross-legged, squatting, or kneeling - before modern furniture changed the way we live. I’m not saying you should throw out your chairs and bed, but understanding these natural movement patterns can help us move better and feel better.
Mobility That Actually Matters
Many fitness influencers push extreme flexibility goals, like achieving the splits, as if they define good mobility. But what if true mobility was simply returning to the floor with ease? Sitting cross-legged, kneeling, and squatting were once second nature to us as kids. Reclaiming those basic movements can be far more useful for daily life than forcing your body into extreme positions.
Strength Training: Simple, Functional, and Effective
So, what about strength? This one requires a little creativity. One of my favorite tools is a sandbag (or a bag of compost)- cheap, versatile, and effective. Leave it by the back door, pick it up for squats, carry it to the garden and back, do presses, rows, or lunges. No fancy machines needed. The real-world applications of this type of training are obvious: lifting groceries, carrying kids, maintaining independence as we age.
One of the best things about living in Whangārei is how easy it is to get moving in nature. We’re lucky to have so many incredible walks at our fingertips - or should I say feet? From the stunning Taheke Falls to the scenic tracks out at the Heads, or a barefoot stroll along one of our beautiful beaches, movement doesn’t have to mean a gym membership. If you’re looking for new places to explore, check out the Whangārei District Council’s list of local walking tracks
The Ultimate Mobility Hack: Get Back to the Floor
If you take one thing from this, let it be this: spend more time on the floor.
Drink your morning coffee sitting cross-legged.
Do some work on your laptop while kneeling.
Fold laundry while squatting.
It’s the easiest mobility hack out there - no need for expensive Pilates classes. Even watching Netflix from the floor can make a difference.
Bonus: The Benefits of Barefoot Walking
As a Brit living in New Zealand, I’ve noticed how much Kiwis love going barefoot! And from an osteopathic and anatomical perspective, it’s incredibly beneficial. Walking barefoot strengthens the muscles in your feet, improves balance, and enhances proprioception (your body's ability to sense movement and position). If you're not already doing it, give it a go!
Want to Move Better? Let’s Chat
If this resonates with you, book a WOF assessment at Haerenga Hauora. Our osteopaths can assess your mobility, strength, and movement patterns to help you feel stronger, move better, and live pain-free. It could change your life - you never know!
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