Human beings are literally born to move. For millions of years, our ancestors survived and thrived through constant physical activity – walking great distances, running after prey, climbing, squatting, and lifting. Evolution finely tuned our bodies to meet these challenges, crafting a unique set of biomechanics that made us highly efficient movers. From the way we run and walk, to how we maintain posture, endure long efforts, and exert strength, every aspect of human movement carries the stamp of our evolutionary history.

Yet, in today’s world, many of us spend our days sitting in chairs, staring at screens, and barely moving at all. This modern sedentary lifestyle stands in stark contrast to the active lives our bodies were built for. The result is an evolutionary mismatch – our bodies are adapted for one kind of life, but we’re living another. 

In this article, we’ll explore key facets of human biomechanics from an evolutionary perspective – including walking, posture, endurance, and strength – and see how these natural adaptations compare to our contemporary habits. We’ll also highlight the health consequences that arise when we ignore our biological design, and how reconnecting with our natural movement patterns can help us lead healthier, pain-free lives.

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