Five Ways to Add Joyful Movement into your Daily Life!

How often do you move your body?

Exercise is often seen as a chore.  As something you have to do everyday for your health.  Some people absolutely love it, while others dread it.

Why is that?  Working out creates endorphins, which make you feel amazing, afterwards. The process of building motivation to start a routine, possibly being uncomfortable while doing it, and creating a habit, is what often stands in the way of all the awesome benefits that come with exercise.

For those of you who struggle, and would rather do pretty much anything else than workout...it doesn’t have to be that way!

Moving your body and staying active is more than just running, being bored on the stairmaster, or lifting weights!

Anything you do that gets the blood flowing and the muscles working is great for your health! The most important thing is that you LOVE it!

That’s what will keep you consistent.

One thing so amazing about life in Italy, is there isn't a big "gym culture." There are definitely more fitness centers and studios than there used to be, but compared to life in the U.S. (or definitely southern California) it is much less of a focus.

Italians move their bodies naturally everyday. They walk a lot more, spend time outside in gardens, at farmer's markets, swimming in the summer and taking a beautiful "passeggiata" after a long leisurely meal with family and friends.

La Passeggiata is an evening tradition in Italy. It's simply a lovely walk through the town center, a piazza or by the water.  A time to people watch, see friends, and move a bit after maybe too much pasta and wine ;)

Over the years, I’ve always told my clients that the most challenging part of a workout is just getting started.  Making the decision, putting your gear on, and doing it!  It's all about the mindset, and ultimately, discipline.  

It’s easier to do when you find something you love.

Here are five ways to incorporate joyful movement into your daily life. Exercise should feel good!  It’s a celebration of what your incredible, strong body can do.  Make it fun!

1. Get into nature! The beach, mountains, a beautiful park...anything with fresh air where you feel free to move. Walk, play with your dog, kids, or hike! There are so many options. Make a list of places in your area you’ve been wanting to explore, and get outside!

2.  Dance! Put some music on and just do what feels good! Move your body! Music is a great motivator and can completely change your mood and lift your energy!

3.  Find a local yoga or fitness class, or even one online!  There are so many to choose from. See what inspires you! Maybe try something you’ve never done before like a Barre class or Yoga Sculpt!

4.  Play! Think of activities you used to do as a kid! Jump rope, roller skate, play beach volleyball, kick around a soccer ball, even hula hoop! Revisit fun ways to move your body that you did when you were younger without even thinking about it as exercise!

5.  Clean and organize your home! Put on some music and get going! Cleaning not only uses your body, but it also feels so good mentally to freshen everything up and reset! Tidy up and get rid of things you no longer need. It has so many benefits, not just for your body, but also as an energetic release!

Explore these options and see what inspires you! Again, the most important thing is that you enJOY it!

Get the prana, life-force energy, flowing through your body.  The hardest part is getting started. You will always be so grateful after!

What is your favorite way to move?

Please share in the comments!

Con tanto amore,

xo Jenny