Why Less Intense Movement Could Be the Key to More Energy
⏰ 3-minute read
Let me start by saying this: I love running – I started trail running in 2013 and have never looked back. It clears my head, sharpens my thinking, and gives me space I rarely get as a busy parent. But I’ve also learned that how we move matters just as much as how often. For many of us—especially those already feeling tired but wired—more intensity isn’t always the answer. In fact, it can sometimes drain us further. This was a hard lesson I had to learn when I got long-COVID and chronic fatigue a few years ago.
It turns out that ancestral movement for energy isn’t just a nice wellness trend—it’s grounded in real science and gentle logic.
There’s this idea that we need to ‘go hard or go home’ to see results. But if we look at how we’re actually designed to move, biologically and ancestrally, it’s a different story altogether. No bootcamps or spin classes in the Stone Age. Just daily movement woven into life: walking, squatting, lifting, resting. Rhythmic, natural, and regenerative.
And here’s the thing: the science now backs this up. Our mitochondria (your cells’ energy factories) and your nervous system thrive on gentle, consistent movement—not relentless high-intensity stress.
The Modern Movement Mismatch
Many of us are stuck in this all-or-nothing cycle when it comes to exercise. Either we’re pushing through punishing HIIT sessions (because we’ve been told that’s the only way to be “fit”), or we’re too wiped out to move at all. But the truth is, movement doesn’t have to mean a sweaty hour at the gym.
Our bodies evolved with a very different rhythm. Think walking, carrying things, short bursts of effort, followed by periods of rest. This kind of movement pattern supports steady energy, better blood sugar balance, and improved lymphatic flow—all crucial for hormonal harmony and stress resilience.
Your Mitochondria Are Tired Too
When we constantly push our bodies through intense workouts without enough recovery, it can stress our mitochondria. These little energy producers don’t do well under chronic pressure. The result? More fatigue, not less. More cravings. Poorer sleep. Higher inflammation.
Low-impact movement—like walking, mobility work, gentle strength training—can actually boost your mitochondrial health and give you more sustainable energy. And unlike overstimulation from overtraining, it doesn’t hijack your nervous system or flood you with stress hormones.
The Forgotten Power of Walking
Walking might just be one of the most underrated tools we have. It supports your metabolism, clears your lymphatic system, boosts brain function, and helps regulate your mood and sleep. And the best part? It doesn’t feel like a chore. It’s low effort, low stress, and totally doable.
I walk every morning with my family after breakfast. It’s a non-negotiable part of our day now. That gentle movement in natural light does wonders for our energy and circadian rhythm—and I see the difference in my kids too.
So Where Does Running Fit In?
I consider myself very lucky to have been able to fully recover from my chronic fatigue, and get back to trail running again. For me, running is something I do because I love it. Not to burn calories. Not to earn food. Not to punish myself. It gives me mental clarity, emotional regulation, and a sense of autonomy over my day. But that’s because it works with my life, not against it.
And that’s the key here. Movement should feel supportive, not stressful. Uplifting, not depleting. If running or a strength class genuinely fuels you, fantastic. Keep it in. But if you’re finding yourself more exhausted, inflamed, or frustrated afterwards, it might be time to rethink what your body is really asking for.
Finding Your Movement Rhythm
There’s no one-size-fits-all. But here are some gentle prompts to help you reconnect with your body’s natural movement needs:
- Do you feel more energised or more depleted after your workouts?
- Are you moving to support your body, or to “fix” it?
- Could walking, stretching, or strength training be enough for now?
- Where can you weave in natural movement (like squatting, lifting, carrying, or strolling) into your day?
Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is stop chasing intensity and start listening inward. Your body isn’t lazy. It might just be crying out for a different kind of movement.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to punish your body to be healthy. In fact, for many of us—especially those dealing with hormone imbalances, fatigue, or burnout—less can genuinely be more.
It’s not about doing less to achieve less. It’s about doing what’s right for you so you can restore energy, rebuild resilience, and feel more like yourself again.
Walk. Stretch. Strengthen. Rest. Move in a way your body recognises. That’s where the magic lives.
I’d love to hear from you—does movement give you energy or leave you drained?
If you’re feeling stuck in a cycle of exhaustion, I can help you find a movement rhythm that supports—not depletes—your energy. My 1:1 support is all about tuning into what your body truly needs. Find out more HERE, or contact me at hello@resyncwellness.com.
If you haven’t already, feel free to download my completely FREE E-Book, The 7-Day Metabolic Reset.