8 Tips To Moving Joyfully

Exercise has many benefits for your mind, body, and spirit, but it’s something that many of us struggle with. Between finding the time and battling the ties that exercise has to diet culture, it can be tough to get movement into our daily lives. That’s why these eight tips to moving your body joyfully are important!

Move In A Way That You Enjoy

Though it may sound overly simple, move in a way that you most enjoy. If you like running, by all means, go for it, but if you’d rather walk, dance, or practice yoga then do that! Forcing yourself to exercise in a way you aren’t enjoying won’t encourage you to move more.

(Don’t) Watch The Time

Many folks fall into an “all or nothing” mindset when it comes to exercise and feel that they have to work out for 30 minutes or an hour or even longer. Some movement will always be better than no movement, after all. Set a time limit that feels fun, healthy, and happy for you, and stick to that.

Make It Entertaining

Moving with music, a podcast, or a good YouTube video will always be more fun, so cue up the entertainment for your next workout! There are no rules here – you can put on your favorite binge-watch while you flow through vinyasas, listen to your favorite comedy podcast while you run, or put on an incredible playlist for your daily walk.

Set Reasonable Goals

If you currently aren’t getting much movement in, don’t expect that you’re suddenly going to be able to work out five days a week without stop. Build in plenty of rest days and start slow.

Treat Yourself

Building a steady habit takes a long time, so be sure to reward yourself along the way to get that dopamine flowing and make the habit stick. Did you hit your movement-days goal this week? Swing by your favorite coffee shop for a latte! For a month? How about some new workout clothes or a pair of shoes you’ve been eyeing?

Get New Exercise Clothes

While you don’t need to drop too much on new workout clothes, a few new pieces can add excitement and variety to your movement routine. New exercise clothing can also be part of your rewards system!

Exercise With A Partner

Though socializing outside of your home is still not best-practice right now, see if you can find someone inside your family unit to exercise with you. It will help you both meet your movement goals and make it more fun!

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Don’t Check The Scale

Moving your body joyfully isn’t about losing weight, it’s about moving your body more because it’s good for your body and your mental health. In fact, toss the scale out completely if you can!