More Joy, Less of Everything Else - using movement for joy

Using movement for joy can involve activities such as dancing, yoga, hiking, or any other physical activity that brings you happiness and a sense of well-being. Engaging in movement can release endorphins, reduce stress, and improve mood. It's a great way to take care of your physical and mental health while also having fun.

One of the worst things about social media for me was the notion that someone had "the best" or "the only" way to correctly move or strengthen YOUR body. The idea that there is only ONE way to move your body correctly is insane. Yet, there are so many "movement systems" out there that claim just that. I have taken several courses and certifications that claim their way is the only way. Everything else is silly or useless or dangerous. To buy in to that is 100% cultish.

And to that I say absolutely no.

Without going further into the rabbit hole of which system is teaching what, I am going to simply talk about the idea of moving for joy.

What Moves You?

When you close your eyes and envision moving your body in a healthy way, what are you doing?

• Are you dancing?

• Are you doing yoga?

• Are you lifting heavy weights?

• Are you swinging bells?

• Are you running on the beach?

• Are you stretching?

Close your eyes for a minute and without judgment, what do you see yourself doing, joyfully?

It doesn't matter what other people think or what other people say you should be doing. At the end of the day, is the movement you are choosing to do bringing you joy?

If not, it is time to start finding that joy.

Daily movement, should not be something that you dread or reluctantly do. If you want it to be a sustainable habit, you need to find that joy.

If you have been wanting to take that dance or zumba class but you heard that running was better for you and you have been reluctantly putting your sneakers on twice a week to drudge through that run, I challenge you to stop and look up when the next dance class is in your area. PS if you are local, reach out to me directly because I know the best Zumba instructor in our entire area!

You need to find that joy!

On the other hand, I know few people whose joy and passion is running. I don't understand why anyone would ever want to run at all (i am obviously not a runner) Here's the thing, it's not my body and I don't need to understand. It's that simple.

What moves one body, does not have to move another.

When I hear people arguing about which style of kettlebells is better (and yes, lol, that is unfortunately a thing) hardstyle, sport, flow, juggling, etc. I have to laugh. Yall are fighting about a fucking tool. Ultimately there is a general kettlebell learning curve, form and technique differences to all 4 styles of kettlebell movement theories. Is one "better" than the others? No. However if you were to use kettlebells as a tool for your sport to get stronger or more fluid, or more agile, etc, like for Jiu Jitsu, then a specific form might be better for your overall fitness training. Same with mobility modalities. The real question is which one brings you joy? That is really the only question that needs to be answered. Because ulimatly, that is the one you are going to stick with. Certainly not "what does <insert ego centric + culty man's name here> think"?. Who the fuck cares what he thinks? He has nothing to do with you or your life or your joy. Fitness fads, not unlike diet fads... are real. And brought to you by social media.

Challenge Questions:

• Are you finding or craving creativity in your daily/weekly physical activities?

• Are you learning new cognitive things within your current fitness routine?

• Are you challenging yourself to explore different types of movement regularly?

• Is what you are currently doing bringing you JOY?

Finding Joy in Movement

Finding joy in movement improves overall physical and mental health. It not only increases fitness levels, but also boost mood and reduce stress. Experimenting with different types of movement can help you find what brings joy to your body and mind.

There is no one right way.

Follow your heart.

Find the joy.