Moving Your Body: Finding Movement You’ll Actually Enjoy

Pillar: Moving Your Body

As we continue walking through the key pillars of optimal health, the next one we’re stepping into is moving your body, or what most people call exercise.

Let’s be honest: this word carries a lot of baggage. Many people hear “exercise” and want to run the other way (and not in the good, cardio kind of way!). Why is that? Is it boring? Does it hurt? One thing I hear often is, “I just don’t have time.” And I truly understand. There are days when life gets so full that I have no idea where I’ll fit it in.

I’m not a personal trainer, but I’d love to share some of what I’ve learned over the years as I’ve figured this out for myself.

Start with walking

For years, I walked Monday through Friday, a couple of times a day. Eventually I realized that, at 50+, walking alone wasn’t giving my body everything it needed. Still, I highly recommend walking if you’re just getting started or haven’t exercised in a while. Your body needs time to ease into activity. Please don’t go from couch to marathon and expect to feel okay!

Try a rebounder

Another option I love, and one I’m seeing more and more health professionals recommend, is the rebounder (a mini trampoline). It helps keep your lymphatic system moving, which is so important for your overall health, and it supports your circulation too.

And here’s the best part: you don’t have to jump. There are plenty of free YouTube videos that show you how to gently press into the mat instead of bouncing. That makes it a wonderful option for anyone with knee or ankle pain who still wants whole-body movement. You also don’t need long sessions. Ten to fifteen minutes is plenty, and as you build strength, you can certainly do more.

Lift weights, at any age

The third type of movement I strongly recommend, no matter your age, is strength training. Truthfully, I wish I had started sooner. When I was younger, I didn’t think I needed it. Now I’m learning just how important muscle is for everyday movement, endurance, and nearly every aspect of health.

Research even shows that grip strength and overall muscle strength are linked to brain health. If you haven’t started weight training and aren’t sure where to begin, I encourage you to work with a personal trainer who can help you get started safely.

Find what you love

Of course, there are so many other ways to move! Walking, rebounding, swimming, cycling, rowing, dancing, gardening, basketball, pickleball, and more. The key is to find what you enjoy most and do it every day. The best movement is the one you’ll actually keep doing.

You don’t have to do it alone

If you’d like support and accountability as you make changes to your health, my health coaching programs are here for you. I’ll meet you right where you are and offer encouragement and guidance every step of the way.

Ready to get moving? Book a free discovery call at https://holisticbodytherapiesllc.practicebetter.io/#/690a1ecee01ba341eb9103df/bookings

Let's talk about the best next step for your body. Your healthiest season can start today, one step (or bounce!) at a time.