Keep Moving, Keep Growing

Over the last year, I’ve fallen in love with fitness again. In fact, since getting my dog I’ve been reminded of why walking and moving the body can have such a positive impact on our bodies. Movement doesn’t have to be a HIIT workout to be validated or important. We’re not all built the same. If you dance in your kitchen, engage in a meaningful stretch session or make it to the gym, you’ve made a decision to choose yourself and I love that for you (I love it for us!).

During those seasons where we’re rushing or not reconnecting with our bodies, honouring yourself with movement can provide stability or structure. Let’s discuss why movement is so important and a gentle practice that we can scale up when we’re ready.

Movement For Life, Not Just For Fitness

I heard someone I know share something through their Instagram and the term has been engrained in my mind (Thank you Rotimi! Founder of Clmbxr). He shared two simple words that just highlight why we should move for longevity and not just for fitness - whilst this is a big bonus! He shared a video of someone saying “You can either grow or decay” which is so powerful if you deep it.

As someone in their early 30’s Ive had a fluctuant relationship with movement over the years. As a child, I was very much in swimming classes every week, martial arts and a seasoned runner in school - I could’ve been a professional sprinter (another story for another day!). Sadly as I got older, I lost my love for different sports due to lifestyle, finances and changes in my priorities. I’m not ashamed to say that but after recent revelations and overcoming some health issues that restricted me, I knew I had to make some major changes in my life to improve my vitality. When we prioritise movement our body thanks us for it. If you love yoga for stretching the body, weight training for strength and or running for building up your endurance. I encourage you to return to what you love or find a form of movement that you know makes you feel amazing or even sparks joy. Remember, it’s not just about what you see others doing, this is your journey.

Healing through the body

There’s something really meaningful about movement. I love long walks or a long session in the gym. I’ve found that movement can release some of my daily tensions. It helps calm our nervous system, or balance your hormones. If you’ve got a sedentary job like me where you’re at a desk for majority of the day then moving your body has massive benefits for improving circulation and can also be a big mood booster. Beyond movement, it can offer you a moment to be present. Through seasons of stress, illness or where you’ve disconnected from yourself it’s a beautiful way to honour your body. Yes, we can get healing through stillness but joyful or intentional motion is all part of growth.

Make it a practice, without pressure

After recovering from a series of different health ailments (migraines, severe anaemia etc), I realised that movement was going to change my life and without sounding too dramatic also save it. Over the years, I let go of the pressure to be perfect about it. Sometimes I’ll work out 4 times a week, other times I make sure me and Zuri go out twice a day for long walks and I get my 10K steps. With this journey, you have nothing to prove to anyone or to earn respect from others. Whilst there’s community and support through groups. I’m not dismissing competitive sports - if that’s your bag (we support it) but this is really if you know there’s movements where you neglect movement in your life. We have to meet ourselves where we are and look after ourselves.

Movement is yours. As you continue to build a relationship with your body, improve your strength or simply vibe to your favourite playlist during a walk, everything counts for something! Remember your goal is not perfection, it’s a commitment to choosing yourself by continuing to grow and not decay. Keeping going and moving, your future self will thank you for it.

Pause & Reflect

What kind of movement feels good to me in this season of life?

With love,

x