Movement is far more than a tool for weight loss, it’s a powerful mechanism for improving metabolic health, longevity and emotional wellbeing. At Combe Grove, movement is one of the 5 Roots of Metabolic Health™, working in synergy with sleep, nutrition, mindset and environment to help restore balance and vitality.
Modern lifestyles have become increasingly sedentary. The World Health Organisation identifies physical inactivity as a leading risk factor for global mortality, contributing to insulin resistance, obesity and cardiovascular disease. But the solution doesn’t lie in extreme workouts or unsustainable regimes, it begins with consistent, enjoyable movement tailored to individual needs.
Regular physical activity improves how the body processes glucose, enhances insulin sensitivity and supports mitochondrial health, the tiny powerhouses of our cells responsible for energy production. A study in Diabetologia found that just 30 minutes of moderate activity, such as brisk walking, significantly improved insulin response in people at risk of type 2 diabetes.
We take a restorative and holistic approach to movement. We encourage Clients to explore a range of activities, from mindful walking and strength training to yoga and swimming, honouring their body’s needs and rhythms.
Here’s how movement integrates with the other Roots of Metabolic Health™
Sleep: Physical activity helps regulate circadian rhythms, leading to deeper and more restorative sleep. However, timing matters, gentle movement in the evening supports winding down, while vigorous exercise can be better suited to earlier in the day.
Nutrition: Movement supports healthy digestion and nutrient metabolism. It also helps regulate appetite hormones, reducing cravings and supporting more intuitive eating patterns.
Mindset: Movement has well-documented benefits for mental health, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression through the release of endorphins and improved brain function. It also builds confidence, resilience and a stronger connection with the body.
Environment: Our surroundings impact our ability and motivation to move. Whether it’s a calming woodland trail, a welcoming yoga studio or a clutter-free space to stretch at home, creating environments that encourage movement makes it more sustainable and enjoyable.
We believe movement should be empowering, not exhausting. By reframing it as a celebration of what the body can do, not a punishment, we help Clients at Combe Grove rediscover the joy of moving. It’s not about perfection, but about consistency, variety and balance.
Metabolic health thrives when we move with intention. Whether it’s a daily walk, gentle stretching or structured strength work, every movement matters.
Through the 5 Roots of Metabolic Health™, we reconnect people with the instinct to move, not as a task, but as a vital expression of life.
