1.8 million years ago, home erectus, the predecessor of the modern human has developed a unique bipedal structure. We, the modern humans of today retain this body architecture that allows us to walk upright. We have a short and wide pelvis, our legs are longer than our arms, the bone positions allow for bearing weight, our feet and toes are aligned, and our skull maintains the alignment of the spine.
Our unique skeletal design is supported by active musculature that engages with the nervous system of our body to maintain this upright position not only during waking but also with every other activity. We sit down and rise off the floor without the collapse of our upright posture.
1.8 million years of human evolution programming for upright posture will not be derailed by 100 years of modernization. Our musculoskeletal structure is truly designed for flexibility, core stability, and motion. It is not designed for prolonged periods of immobility, sitting, or unilateral specialized repetitive activity. We are uniquely positioned for whole muscle chain utilization to perform complex and arduous tasks.
Tapping into our evolutionary origins will prevent injuries, cure us of the plaguing back pain, and help our kids grow up into powerful humans. How do we start? We let kids be kids. Unstructured and free play outside will inadvertently allow our kids to grow versatility and well-roundedness in the utility and strength of their muscle structures.
Running outside on uneven surfaces, climbing hills and play structures, walking on a beam for balance, and jumping on a trampoline hones the development of the variable muscle fibers in our kids’ bodies to create strength and injury resilience.
Even if our kids play organized sports and are physically fit, we also need to encourage variable play and interaction with the natural world. Through unrestricted play, kids automatically engage their joints, ligaments, and muscular support to create balanced and flexible core structures that will set them up for success in life. Climbing a tree, jumping off a rock, and playing chase will do wonders.
Camilla Petersen is the owner of Petersen Concierge Medical, a curated bespoke private medical practice, where she incorporates the principles of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stability, functional fitness, human kinesiology and development into her practice.