Ciao -
Welcome to Episode 1 of Movement, where the title is inevitably and purposely broad to include every kind of exercise, and well, movement. Prepare yourself to drop all expectations and conditionings for exercise - we are going rouge.
There are no rules, hard lines, and must do’s for exercise of any kind - no matter what you see on social media or what you compare from someone else. It doesn’t need to be a burden or something to dread. Instead of labeling it as ‘exercise’, allow it to be free as the label ‘movement’ to help reduce the pressure, the requirement, the mundaneness, and the guilt of it all. Example: “I don’t need to exercise today, I need to move today.” Furthermore, don’t let movement be something that you have to do, but rather something that you are blessed and able to do. Movement is a privilege, not a chore. Sometimes, the first step is to decide to change the mindset.
Not only is changing the mindset important, but so is changing the purpose. Don’t move to lose weight, move to get stronger. Don’t move to look a certain way, move to be proud of your progress. Move to reach new goals and new skillsets. Move to find new passions and meet new people. Move to be kind to yourself and your body.
Because yeah, we need to move around. Our bodies are wired to get the heart pumping, the blood flowing, the sweat beading, the endorphins woken up. The muscles worked to become stronger, the body stretched to stay flexible, the joints pressured to keep them agile.
Movement is beautifully yours - how empowering is that? If intense movement everyday is your thing, or if slow but steady movement a couple times a week is your thing, great! If you want to lift and do cardio every morning at 5 am, do it. If you want to go for a slow walk after work with your dog, do it. If you want to do yoga or pilates before bed, do it. Want to have the best garden in the county, or volunteer at the local daycare to chase kids around? Do it! (If you know, you know - that’s basically cardio).
Studies show over and over again that movement is the most powerful yet most under rated and under executed form of mental health care there is, period. The benefits are impossible to ignore - significantly reduced stress, anxiety, and depression including increased levels of self esteem and self worth with movement as little as a 15 minute walk, especially outdoors. Raised energy, balanced hormones, and better sleep from the body expending more and by helping to balance natural circadian rhythms. Anti-aging and longevity in helping to prevent the classic forms of elder issues such as weakened muscle mass, arthritis, aching joints, broken bones… if all of that isn’t enticing I don’t know what is!
Something about movement reminds us that we are alive - living, breathing, thriving. Our bodies are fantastically skillful, adept, and capable. Prioritizing movement, whatever that may be for you, is prioritizing yourself, and that is always worth it.
Food for thought,
Lai