Why I think we should talk less about EXERCISE and more about MOVEMENT

There is an unhelpful narrative around exercise in our culture. Too often we see it as a punishment for enjoying life…. we “kill it in the gym” to stay slim, burn off unwanted calories. We push ourselves to get it right, be at the top of our game. We’re told it’s something we must do at least three times a week and if we don’t we feel shame and guilt. We come to see it as a chore.

It makes so much more sense to find a way to connect with the joy and meaning in movement… to use your body to engage with life the way you want to.. to love how it feels to kick your legs around, be that stretching, running, walking or skipping. To find your flow. Breathe, dance, release, connect.

Physical movement on your terms has so much more impact on you than just physical.

  • It releases built up stress hormones
  • It prepares the system for future stress, by exposing you to a manageable “stressor” in smaller doses which you control
  • It builds a strong container for future challenges
  • It triggers the release of endorphins
  • It takes you out of your head and into your body (and the external world)

If the pressure game works for you that’s great but I reckon many of us could really benefit from loosening our grip on the apps, goals, PBs, step counters, heart rate monitors, weight loss plans and just get outside and move. Then maybe ask yourself… how did it make you feel?