I’m not sure if you saw last weeks Instagram post with my daughter, Stella. It’s kinda the inspiration behind this post.
She’s only 7, and like myself has always enjoyed hitting pads. Last Sunday we had some spare time so we spent a few minutes in the studio practising some simple combos, and having a blast.
To her, this wasn’t “exercise” or “working out”. It was just fun. She was laughing, I was laughing, and we were moving around and getting our heart rates up without even thinking about it.
Maybe it’s just me, but that’s what I believe staying active should feel like: moving because you want to, not because you’re ticking a box.
The truth is, staying active shouldn’t be about following the perfect program or hitting that magic number of steps each day. It should be about finding something you actually look forward to. Something you’d do even if no one was telling you to do it.
For Stella, sometimes it’s hitting pads. For me it’s Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Maybe for you, it’s dancing around your living room, having a kickabout in the garden with the kids, or going for a walk with a friend.
The main point being: If you enjoy it, you’ll do it more often. And the more you move, the better you’ll feel!
So here’s my challenge to you: Forget what you “should” do. and think about what activities makes you look forward to moving, instead of dreading it?
I know it sounds a little corny, but I believe movement should about joy, not punishment.
So let’s reframe “exercise” from a dreaded obligation into something that’s a gift to yourself, a chance to play, connect, and feel good.
