Ecological Fitness is exactly what it sounds like: a natural approach to health and fitness.

The human body developed over an immense period of time exclusively in natural environments. Human bodies, minds, and spirits became incredibly attuned and connected to the sights, sounds, textures, smells, and feelings of the natural world. This intimate connection to nature (i.e. the environment and ourselves) enabled our ancestors to become strong, healthy, and happy.

Acquiring food, avoiding predators, and simply living life required the ability to perform a wide variety of natural movement patterns skillfully and safely. Crawling, walking, balancing, running, swimming, climbing, lifting, throwing, catching, jumping, and many other natural movements became a pillar upon which a healthy life was built.

Fast-forward to modern day, and there are very few people living in tune with their natural origins anymore. Most people no longer need to be able to climb a tree to gather food, sprint away from a predator, or swim across a river to follow a herd of animals. The problem is that our bodies are still hardwired for these movements and connection to nature. Our technologically-advanced culture has progressed much faster than our biology can, which has resulted in a significant mismatch between our genes and our lifestyles. The myriad of chronic illnesses and diseases that afflict millions of people stems from this mismatch.

Luckily, there are still plenty of places that have been left relatively “natural” for people to visit and foster a healthy, meaningful connection to the natural world and by extension, ourselves. We can still become Ecologically Fit by moving naturally, eating natural, healthy foods, spending time in nature, and being part of a loving, supportive community.

Ecological Fitness is the creation of Carl Ekholm, a MovNat Certified Trainer and Nutritional Therapy Practitioner based in southern Maine, offering personal training, small and medium group classes, and nutritional therapy. Please contact me for personal training, nutritional therapy, advice, or general inquiries.