Fall Back in Love with Movement

If you’re stuck in an exercise rut or you’re trying to get back into a routine after being sidelined due to pain or injury, find something that makes you fall in love with movement again. Move in a way that feels good! If dancing sounds fun, dance. If deadlifts feel empowering, deadlift. If a slow walk with a friend is what gets you off the couch, do it. Exercise is not an all-or-nothing thing. Just because you used to spend 2 hours in the gym doesn’t mean it’s either 2 hours at the gym or the couch.

This year marks my 10th year of consistently lifting weights. While I genuinely enjoy it, there have been times when I wanted something different. Sometimes, I incorporated more cardio, like running, using the Stairmaster, or elliptical. Other times, I switched to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) instead of the slow and controlled bodybuilding style.

One of the times I felt most excited about movement was during the COVID-19 pandemic. With gyms closed and living in a small one-bedroom apartment with limited equipment, I started taking virtual kickboxing classes. It was incredibly fun! I felt soreness in muscles I hadn't felt before, and I began to look forward to the 30-45 minutes spent practicing self-defense skills.

If you're dreading the gym, try something different. If you enjoy being outdoors, consider activities like swimming laps, rollerblading, or biking. If you're looking for something fun, search for a Zumba class on YouTube to add some excitement to your routine. There's no rule that says you must stick to weightlifting once you start. A change in your exercise routine can be a refreshing and beneficial experience for your body, just as it was for mine.