Your Relationship with Movement: How to Make It Joyful Again

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Movement is supposed to feel good.
Not punishing. Not performative. Not something you force yourself through just to feel “worthy” after.

And yet, so many of us have a complicated relationship with it.
We’ve tied it to appearance, discipline, numbers, or control.
We’ve let apps and trackers decide what counts.
We’ve learned to ignore how we feel in favour of how we should move.

But you don’t have to stay stuck in that pattern.
You’re allowed to begin again — with softness, curiosity, and joy.

How movement became a “should”

For years, I associated movement with effort and achievement. It had to be sweaty, structured, or intense to be valid.
Restorative practices made me feel guilty. Modifications made me feel like I wasn’t doing enough.

And if I wasn’t in a “perfect” rhythm with workouts? Cue the shame spiral.

Sound familiar?

So many women have inherited this mindset — that movement is only valuable if it’s changing our bodies, burning calories, or proving something.

But here's what’s true: you don’t need to earn your worth through exercise.
Your body isn’t a project.
And movement isn’t a punishment for what you ate.

Rebuilding a joyful relationship with movement

Joyful movement starts with listening. Not to your to-do list or your inner critic, but to your body.
It’s a practice of reconnecting — of tuning in and asking:

  • What would feel good today?

  • What kind of energy do I have?

  • Do I need to release, to ground, or to soften?

Some days, that might look like dancing in your living room.
Other days, it might be a gentle yoga flow, a strength-based barre session, or a slow walk in nature.

Joyful movement isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s personal. It’s seasonal. It’s yours.

Try this 3-step reconnection practice:

  1. Check in (before you move):
    Close your eyes, place your hand on your chest or belly, and ask: How do I feel right now?

  2. Choose with kindness:
    Based on that check-in, choose a movement practice that feels supportive — not punishing.

  3. Reflect (after):
    Take 30 seconds to notice: How do I feel now? What shifted?
    This builds trust and reinforces the connection with your body’s cues.