Increase Your Physical Activity With Gentle Movement

I hope you had a restful weekend and are relaxing with your family on this Labor Day holiday, if you live in the US. If you are not celebrating a holiday today and are back out to work, I pray that you keep safe and have a productive day.

Today is day 6 of the Weight Loss Lifestyle Challenge, when we start adding in some gentle movement. This is a way to increase your physical activity, but in small and gradual steps. Nobody can go from being sedentary to running a marathon in a day. And we don’t want you to burnout!

Gentle Movement VS Regular Exercise

In general, there isn’t actually a difference between gentle movement and any other fitness you have participated in. The main difference is that with gentle movement, it can be any form of moving your body. There are no rules, schedules, or programs. You don’t have to lift weights every day or do an hour of cardio 6 days a week.

The most important thing is moving your body in a way that feels good, gives you more energy, and is enjoyable.

Discovering YOUR Favorite Form of Movement

Not sure what gentle movement is best for you? Your history with exercise will help guide you in the right direction. Here are some tips for finding what is best for you:

Think about types of exercise that always made you feel more energetic after you were done. Walking? Dancing? Gardening?

What exercises do you absolutely hate and dread doing?

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Was there a fitness routine that you never quit or stopped doing?

What is something you have been wanting to try?

Answering these questions are going to guide you in the right direction.

Tip – Don’t wear a fitness tracker during your workouts. That way, you just enjoy whatever form of movement you choose, without worrying about your heart rate or burning calories.

Journal Prompt – What forms of movement or exercise do you actually enjoy?