Honestly, I’m not much of a fitness gal.

I historically have not enjoyed gyms.

I don’t stick with one fitness regime for more than a few months.

I don’t even like the sound of the word EXERCISE!

I am a proponent of JOYFUL MOVEMENT!

Joyful movement is the feeling of loving being in your body – sinking deeply into the wonder of how our body can be – in motion!

When we approach physical activity (or that word I don’t love: exercise) – from a place of joy – we are SO much more likely to make movement a part of our everyday life.

And I know I don’t have to tell you that there are hundreds of benefits to keeping our body fluid and moving!

But HOW? How do we make movement joyful?

Here are 3 tips to make “exercise” more joyful so that you’ll want to move more!

1. FIND YOUR JOY!

• EXACTLY what kind of movement  makes you smile?
• What kind of activity makes you NOT take yourself too seriously, and brings a lightness to your step?
• What does NOT feel like an obligation and instead feels like play?

For me, it’s the push of my paddle through water when I’m on my paddleboard, or it’s my awkward arabesque in my ballet class.

What kind of movement doesn’t feel like it belongs on a daily to-do list – and instead feels like you are playing hookey from your life – THAT’S THE ONE you want!

2. DON’T PUSH!

I know, I know, we’ve all heard it – no pain, no gain. I don’t buy it, and in fact – from my perspective of being a health coach – I have seen many women pushing their bodies into an extended stress-response, by exercising too hard. Take it easier. Don’t make exercise a time when you are increasing your cortisol (stress hormone) levels, it doesn’t serve you, and it knocks all of your other hormones off kilter.

Be gentle with yourself, and your body will respond with more energy and ease.

This includes how we treat ourselves emotionally. Our self-talk and attitude are an important aspect of joyful movement.

A big part of this tip “Don’t Push,” is being kind to yourself.

Always, when we are in connecting with our body (which is what we are doing when we are moving): gentleness, self-compassion and positive-regard are the most important guiding forces.

3.  FIND COMPANY

We as women do SO well when we are connected and in a supportive community!

We are more likely to make time for our selves – and  more likely to prioritize joyful movement – when we are with others.

Find a buddy, find a group, find a class. Connect with others who want to join you in moving in a way that makes you feel good in your body.

 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Nina Manolson, MA, CHC, certified Health Coach and Psychology of Eating Coach believes that every women deserves to feel good in their own body. She helps women create a healthy and positive relationship with their food and body so they can love their body and life!  She’s the founder of NinaManolson.com and NourishedWomanNation.com 

She helps busy women look and feel their best. She specializes in working with women over 40 who have tried other diets and approaches but are still struggling with their body and food. She helps women step into a new wellness paradigm that makes self-care real and do-able and turns it into sustainable healthy habits that

She’s the author of “Feed Your Kids Well In A World That Doesn’t: an everyday guide to make healthy food happen in your home and beyond”. She’s also the recipient of the prestigious Health Leadership Award from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.

To get your F.R.E.E. Video Series “What to do now, when everything you’ve done hasn’t worked” by mail and receive her healthy recipes and wellness tips click here.

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Nina Manolson, MA, NBC-HWC, is a Body-Peace™ Coach.

She is a board certified Health Coach, Psychology of Eating Coach and Certified Body-Trust Provider, believes that every woman deserves to feel good in her own body.

She helps women create a healthy and positive relationship with their food and body so they can truly feel at peace in their body! She’s the founder of NinaManolson.com and The Nourished Woman Nation.

She specializes in working with women over 40 who have tried many other diets and approaches but are still struggling with their relationship to body and food.She’s the creator of the BODY-LOVE MAP and the recipient of the prestigious Health Leadership Award from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.To take a powerful step on the Body-Peace™ Path, download your Practicing Body-Peace Journal right HERE.

If you’d like help with navigating an authentic and respectful relationship with your body. Let’s talk.