Finding Joy in Movement
Everyone comes from a different background and how they prefer to move their bodies that make them feel good overall. However, if you’ve been sticking to a plan around movement, is it still filling your cup? Are you still finding the joy in that particular movement even a few months later or is it time to switch it up?
I know from my own experience that I need a change every few months. Even while being an athlete for sixteen years, I knew that practices would be fairly similar but there was always the accessory work before practice that would change daily between additional weight lifting, core exercises, body weight exercises, and stretching. Even these simple daily changes made the practices less monotone since there was something new to look forward to outside of the pool.
Fast forward to several years later, and I find myself still following a similar pattern. Although I am no longer swimming in a pool, I do like my consistency with my daily runs. It’s something that has become a habit in my daily life but also something that I’ve grown fond of as it allows me to have some “me time”. But, that doesn’t mean that I don’t crave other forms of movement —movement I look forward to and enjoy. Over the last few years, I’ve mixed in weight lifting, cross fit, boxing, and at-home Peloton workouts. It always depended on what filled my cup.
However, with how things have been changing in the world we live in through Covid, gyms closing, and everything being from home, I resorted to staying in my own little bubble of my home as well. From running at home to working out at home to living my daily life at home. Although it was great in the beginning, and I was still able to enjoy working out and moving my body in a form that I liked at home, that joy has trickled immensely.
How did I actually find joy in movement again?
It requires stepping back outside of my own comfort zone. Not something that I am always able to do easily, but I know how much it can be beneficial for not only my physical health but also my emotional and mental health too. At the end of the day, it is important to remember that when you are able to find joy in movement it benefits all areas of your health.
Although I am not starting something new, I am taking the next step in finding joy in movement by rejoining a gym and working with an old personal trainer. The change in the atmosphere of where I am working out and also the people that I am surrounded by can make a huge difference! It all comes down to the actual decisions that we make and the steps towards finding joy in the movement that you like.
Whether you are feeling stuck or in a rut, don’t wait until September 1st to rejoin a gym or rejoin your favorite barre class. Reflect on the different places where you enjoyed moving your body and the type of movement you did there and start again. There’s never any shame or guilt in rejoining a place or even starting brand new! This is your own health journey and you need to find what works best for you!
Although it can be nerve-racking at first, it’s just that first time that you’ll be nervous! From there, you’ll thank yourself that you took that step in going after finding joy in movement again!
