Is this something you'd like to explore?

Are you ready to shake up your perspective on workouts?
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I'm excited to share a fantastic article with you this week.
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My colleague Nathalie, a psychologist and yoga teacher, recently penned a blog post advocating for a fresh outlook on exercise. She urges us to see exercise not just as a physical activity but as accessible movement, both for our bodies and minds, emphasizing its critical role in holistic well-being. In her piece, she offers practical tips to overcome barriers and seamlessly integrate movement into our daily routines, fostering improved physical and mental health.
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Living in a world where we're often shackled to our desks and consumed by screens, the significance of movement cannot be overstated. However, for many, the idea of exercise can be daunting, evoking images of gruelling gym sessions and unattainable fitness goals.
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But what if we were to flip that narrative? What if we embraced exercise as a pathway to self-care, wellness, and life balance?
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​Let's delve into three key themes from Nathalie's article:​
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1. Reframing Exercise as Movement

Let's face it – the word "exercise" can be intimidating. It conjures up images of sweat-drenched gym sessions and gruelling workouts that leave us feeling exhausted and defeated.
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What if we were to redefine exercise as something more accessible, more attainable?
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What if we were to view movement not as a burden, but as a simple, achievable practice that can be woven seamlessly into our daily lives?
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As Nathalie suggests, by reframing exercise as movement, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities. Suddenly, taking a walk around the block becomes just as valuable as hitting the gym. Stretching in the morning becomes a form of self-care, rather than a prelude to a rigorous workout.
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By shifting our thoughts and beliefs as Nathalie shares, we empower ourselves to embrace movement in all its forms – whether it's dancing in the kitchen, practicing yoga in the living room, or simply taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
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2. Incorporating Mental and Internal Activities

​But movement isn't just about physical exertion – it's also about nourishing our minds and souls. In addition to engaging in physical activities, it's crucial to incorporate mental and internal practices into our daily routines. Whether it's practicing mindfulness, positive self-talk, or visualization exercises, these activities can have a profound impact on our overall well-being. As Nathalie writes, "movement is happening internally" in activities with subtle movement.
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By nurturing our mental and emotional health alongside our physical health, we create a more holistic approach to self-care. We learn to listen to our bodies, honour our emotions, and cultivate a sense of inner peace and balance. And as we become more attuned to ourselves, we find that movement becomes not just a means to an end, but a source of joy, fulfillment, and self-expression.
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3. Embracing Experimentation and Flexibility

Finally, it's important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to movement. What works for one person may not work for another, and that's okay. I love how Nathalie shares the "Do no harm" philosophy and practice. The key is to embrace experimentation and flexibility – to approach movement with an open mind and a willingness to explore new possibilities that do not hurt you.
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Whether it's trying out different types of exercise, incorporating new mental and internal practices, or simply listening to our bodies and adjusting our routines accordingly, the journey to self-care, wellness, and balance is all about finding what works best for us as individuals. And by embracing experimentation and flexibility, we empower ourselves to create a movement practice that is truly our own.
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Movement is not just about physical fitness – it's about nourishing our bodies, minds, and souls.
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This is the genesis of The Why I Move Project which Nathalie writes about in her article. I started The Project to demonstrate all the layers of moving our bodies. Not one story I share on the Why I Move Forum is the exact same. Finding your WHY could be the game changer to your workout routine.
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So consider…
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…Reframing exercise as movement,


…Incorporating mental and internal activities, and
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…Embracing experimentation and flexibility…
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To find self-care, wellness, and balance that is as unique and individual as we are.
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So let's lace up our runners, roll out our yoga mats, and dance like nobody's watching – because when it comes to movement, the possibilities are endless.
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If you're seeking support in crafting a personalized movement plan tailored to your needs, I'm here to help. Feel free to reach out and learn more here.​
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Stay well and happy moving,
Lisa
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P.S., Looking to explore internal movement? Join me for my upcoming Rest and Rejuvenation Sleep Meditation, where we'll delve into the subtle art of movement for relaxation and renewal. Join me in person or virtually on Friday February 23 at Yoga Within Edmonton. ​