The art of joyful movement. With the coming of the new year, many of us have made the decision to put in more effort to improve our health and fitness levels. But will it stick this time?
The thing is, most of us try to adhere to a dreadful and rigid workout routine that’s equally hard and sweaty. And we do so mainly for the sake of seeing the kilos drop on the scale or to burn off the extra calories from the pizza you ate the night before. It usually results in a hateful relationship with exercise, which is why so many of us can’t seem to stay on the fitness bandwagon. That’s where joyful movement comes in to save the day.
What Is Joyful Movement?
The joyful movement trend is all about shifting the awful relationship that we have with exercising to one that is sure to provide both pleasure and progress when it comes to health and fitness. It’s aim is to slash the idea that exercising isn’t meant to be fun. If you’re doing joyful movements, you are exercising for the sake of the positives that are associated with it such as improving your mood, energy levels, health and strength. But you’re not excluding the feeling that comes with it. The name says it perfectly – it’s the philosophy that we should focus more on moving in ways that instil joy and health all at once. Choice is key when it comes to this trend. There is absolutely no right or wrong exercise, as long as you enjoy what you do. It’s safe to call it the best of both worlds, as joyful movements are good for both your mental and physical health.
Take A Walk
We tend to underestimate the many benefits of walking since it’s not always something that makes you break a sweat in the same way four sets of weighted squats would. But that’s the thing with joyful movement, you don’t have to be walking out of the gym with shaky legs to prove that you’ve just got some exercise in. Not only is walking effortless, but it doesn’t require expensive gym payments and you can make it enjoyable for yourself. Go hiking with friends on some amazing local trails or walk your dogs in the neighbourhood. Taking a stroll along the beach with a loved one is another great option.
Swim Your Heart Out
It’s summer, which means you’ll most likely be spending some time at the beach or in the pool. And let’s face it, few things provide as much joy as cooling off by taking a dip either in the pool or the ocean. And where’s the fun in completing a certain number of laps just to burn those calories? When it comes to joyful movement, you can swim as much as you want, for as long as you want. If you’re moving, you’re getting it right.
Embrace Your Inner Child
We’re pretty sure there’s no one on earth that knows how to have fun like children do. And do you know why that is? Because they couldn’t care less about doing daily sprints to lose those extra kilograms. Yet much of what they do can be regarded as great exercise. So why not turn back the clock and do the things you used to love as a kid? Dance to your favourite music. Skip some rope. Jump on a trampoline. Play with your kids or younger family members. Get those joyful movements in whichever way you please no matter how ridiculous they may seem to you.
The ‘Not-So-Workout’ Workouts
Practicing joyful movement means letting go of the notion that certain activities don’t count as exercising. Many everyday movements are in fact considered to be good workouts. Little movement is better than none at all. So, whether you enjoy gardening or spring-cleaning your home, it can all be regarded as gentle forms of exercise even if it might seem as if you have done little to absolutely nothing in the exercise department.
It’s Okay To Rest
Listening to your body is an important aspect of joyful movement. Call it the intuitive eating of the fitness world – you only work out when your body (and your mentality) is up for it. Taking a break is not always a bad thing, in fact, it’s essential, so don’t be too hard on yourself. And who knows, it might be just what you need to regain your energy for your next exciting workout.
