If you’ve spent years fighting your body like I have, by logging endless hours of cardio, running miles and miles, and taking class after class…all in the name of weight loss, you’re not alone.

For decades, society has drilled into us the same message: Work harder. Go faster. Do more. No pain, no gain…(and cardio is the way to do it!)

The 90 billion dollar a year Diet Culture stepped in and conveniently tied exercise to weight loss and shaping the body and as a result it ended up turning movement into a “have to”, “should do”, “need to do” chore that we had to put on our to do list. And our bodies were initiated into a never-ending project of trying to fit in to the current (and every changing) body ideal.

taught us that our bodies were wrong if they didn’t look a certain way…if our body didn’t fit into society’s mold, then we were unworthy…not good enough…lazy…unmotivated…undisciplined…etc.

This taught me my body was just wrong. I was not good enough, unless I could look the way I was supposed to (according to society). So, I kept trying to change it through exercising harder, longer, and more…and the more I did, the more frustrated I got, because my body stayed pretty much the same. All this work…for nothing, again and again.

This decreased my self-esteem, self-worth and self-confidence big time.

I thought that my worth= the weight on the scale

What finally helped was when I divorced exercise from weight and body size and shape. The more they were connected, the more disordered my behavior was.

It was when I told myself the truth that my relationship with my body changed:
The Truth: Your body’s worth as a human being has absolutely nothing to do with its weight, size, or shape.

And changing your perspective on this, opens the door to a new way to think about exercise.

Are you ready to think about movement differently? It’s about remembering the truth that our bodies were designed to move, to play, to stretch. Babies love moving, and as they grow they move and play and stretch all day long. Do you remember the time when you couldn’t wait to get outside and play?

So how about we think about that? Switching up the way we think about it. Shifting the words from exercise to movement and play.

This new perspective changes the approach. You can start to experiment with new ways to move your body. Ways that feel good to you. Because when you find what truly brings you joy, movement becomes something you look forward to, not something you dread.

Have you ever danced in the kitchen when your favorite song comes on? That’s movement.
So is walking your dog, gardening, stretching in the morning sun, or playing tag with your kids, nieces, nephews, grandkids.

Joyful movement expands the definition of exercise to include anything that makes you feel alive, whether or not it fits into the traditional “fitness” box.

It’s time to swap the “have-to’s” and “should’s” for movement that makes you laugh, smile, and want to do it again.

We know movement has incredible benefits…
• Improves mood and boosts energy
• Promotes better sleep
• Strengthens muscles and heart health
• Counters depression, anxiety
• Reduces stress
• Improves self-confidence
• Enhances brain power
• Increases connection, presence, and freedom in daily life
• Maintains independence
• Improves quality of life

• Improved brain function and problem solving
• Stress reduction
• Boosts creativity and imagination
• Increased coordination
• Improved relationships
• Increased energy
• Encourages laughter, boosts mood
• Increases empathy
• Builds confidence and self esteem

And here’s the best part: BOTH movement and play are valid, valuable, and empowering whether or not your body changes.

Caution: The following ideas may cause joy, laughter, and a surge of childlike wonder.

Beware: They’ll still challenge your muscles, balance, flexibility, and endurance, without feeling like “exercise.”

Proceed with care: Choose activities that light you up. Try them alone or with friends. Indoors or outdoors. Five minutes or three hours. The only rule? Keep it fun.

Ideas to Try:
• Dancing—alone, with friends, down the street, anywhere
• Walking in nature
• Swimming or water aerobics
• Biking with friends
• Gardening
• Hula-hooping
• Jump rope or hopscotch
• Pickleball, ping-pong, or pool
• Medicine ball slams (hello, stress relief!)
• Rollerblading
• Bowling (real or wii)
• Cleaning to your favorite dance playlist
• Disc golf or foot golf
• Playground fun (yes, grown-ups allowed)

Comment below and tell me what you are going to try!

Movement doesn’t have to happen in a gym or on a treadmill. Why not swing on a playground, wander a beach, stroll a mall, hike a trail, or climb a mountain just for the view? Bring a friend for laughs and connection or try something you’ve never done before…no pressure, no judgment.

Skip the “shoulds” of traditional workouts and let your body guide you. Instead of focusing on how movement looks or what it burns, tune into the energy, freedom, and joy it brings to your body.

Try to move in ways that feel kind, not cruel. This is where body confidence grows.
Reconnect with that part of you who once said, “I can’t wait to go out and play.”

Join us at The Body Joyful Revolution. Where we separate worth and weight. Find food freedom, and embrace bodies of all sizes, shapes and weights.

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